The memorial service for Kirk, whom Trump credits with playing a pivotal role in his 2024 election victory, drew tens of thousands of mourners, including Vice President JD Vance, other senior administration officials and young conservatives shaped by the 31-year-old firebrand

"He's a martyr now for America's freedom," Trump said in his tribute. "I know I speak for everyone here today when I say that none of us will ever forget Charlie. And neither now will history"

Speakers highlighted Kirk's profound faith and his strong belief that young conservatives need to get married, build families and pass on their values to keep building their movement. They also repeatedly told conservative activists, sometimes in confrontational tones, that the best way to honour Kirk was doubling down on his mission to move American politics further to the right

"For Charlie, we will remember that it is better to stand on our feet defending the United States of America and defending the truth than it is to die on our knees," Vance said. "My friends, for Charlie, we must remember that he is a hero to the United States of America. And he is a martyr for the Christian faith"

Kirk's assassination at a Sept. 10 appearance on a Utah college campus has become a singular moment for the modern-day conservative movement. It also has set off a fierce debate about violence, decency and free speech in an era of deep political division

The shooting has stirred fear among some Americans that Trump is trying to harness outrage over the killing as justification to suppress the voices of his critics and political opponents

Those close to Kirk prayed and the floors shook from the bass of Christian rock bands as the home of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals took on the feel of a megachurch service

"Charlie looked at politics as an on-ramp to Jesus," said the Rev. Rob McCoy, Kirk's pastor

People began lining up before dawn to secure a spot inside State Farm Stadium west of Phoenix, where Kirk's Turning Point organization is based