At a memorial event in Glendale, Arizona, former President Donald Trump revealed what he described as one of the final requests made by conservative activist Charlie Kirk before his death: that the administration “save Chicago.”
Kirk, who was born in the Chicago suburbs, reportedly urged Trump to take action on crime in the city. In recent weeks, Trump has repeated calls to send the National Guard to Chicago, pledging to override Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker if necessary.
“We owe Charlie a profound and eternal debt of gratitude,” Trump said during his remarks. He praised the Turning Point USA founder for his advocacy of “freedom and justice,” and called his killing a targeted political act.
Remembering Charlie Kirk
Kirk was shot and killed on September 10 while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. He was 31 years old. According to Trump, Kirk had become a key figure in the conservative movement and had helped expand Republican outreach among young voters.
“Charlie Kirk was heinously murdered by a radicalized leftist for speaking the truth that was in his heart,” Trump said. “He was assassinated because he lived bravely. He lived boldly and argued brilliantly — without apology.”
Trump addressed Kirk’s parents directly during his speech, expressing sympathy and emphasizing Kirk’s influence on the nation.
He also credited Kirk with introducing him to two important political allies: Senator J.D. Vance and independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Trump noted that Kirk had played a significant role in bridging the gap between the MAGA and MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) movements.
Public Reaction and Symbolic Honors
Tens of thousands of supporters gathered at the Arizona memorial, where Trump was met with cheers. In a show of unity, entrepreneur Elon Musk joined Trump in the VIP booth and shook hands with the former president.
Following Kirk’s death, Trump ordered flags at the White House lowered to half-staff. He later said in interviews that Kirk had the potential to one day succeed him as president.
“The gun was pointed at him, but the bullet was aimed at every one of us,” Trump said during the memorial. “Charlie is bigger than two weeks ago… he’s eternal.”
Kirk played a major role in mobilizing young conservatives during the 2024 campaign. Trump received 43% of the vote among Americans aged 18 to 29, a number analysts have partially attributed to Kirk’s influence on college campuses and youth voter registration efforts.
Ongoing Investigation Into Assassination
FBI Director Kash Patel provided an update on the investigation, confirming that the bureau is actively pursuing multiple leads in connection with the killing.
Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested and charged with the murder. Patel stated that the FBI is exploring the possibility that Robinson did not act alone.
“We are meticulously investigating all aspects of the case,” Patel said in a statement posted to X. “That includes the location of the shooter, any potential accomplices, a text message confession, Discord conversations, weapon transport, and whether hand signals used at the event indicated coordination.”
Patel added that the FBI is also looking into visits to Robinson’s residence in the days leading up to the assassination.
According to officials, Robinson allegedly posted a message to a private Discord group shortly before his arrest. In the message, he reportedly wrote:
“Hey guys, I have bad news for you all … It was me at UVU yesterday. I’m sorry for all of this.”
Patel concluded his statement with a message of solidarity:
“The entire FBI mourns the loss of Charlie Kirk. We will not rest until justice is served, and every question surrounding this tragic assassination is answered.”
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