Right-wing activist Charlie Kirk has been hailed a “martyr” for his movement at a memorial attended by as many as 100,000 mourners.

US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were among the speakers addressing the packed football stadium on Monday morning (AEST) in Phoenix, Arizona.

The venue in Kirk’s hometown has a capacity of 63,400 and was jam-packed, with thousands more queuing outside. Through his controversial platforms – including a successful podcast – Kirk reached an audience of millions, especially young people. Critics accused him of spreading racist, homophobic and sexist views.

Kirk’s widow, Erika, delivered a more than 20-minute speech forgiving her husband’s alleged killer.

“That man, that young man, I forgive him. I forgive him because it was what Christ did

See Full Page