On Sunday, the White House honored the memory and life of Charlie Kirk, the co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, with a vigil at the Kennedy Center. Thousands were reportedly in attendance, with lines around the venue awaiting entrance. Among the attendees and speakers were members of President Trump's cabinet, such as Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, White House staffers, many of whom have attributed their engagement in politics to Kirk's influence, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, and other members of Congress, and state and national political and cultural figures.
🚨 THOUSANDS of patriots at the Kennedy Center’s Charlie Kirk vigil lit up their theater with flashlights and candles while worshipping Jesus
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) September 15, 2025
What a night. COUNTLESS people found God this week — all thanks to Charlie ❤️ pic.twitter.com/zE4EDgxCHe
Arizona State Senator Jake Hoffman opened the Kennedy Center vigil, affirming that, "This is what Charlie would want," and "We are all Charlie Kirk now."
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Hundreds of mourners attended a memorial service and prayer vigil for Charlie Kirk at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on Sunday night to honor the political activist’s legacy after an assassin’s bullet took his life last week.
Lines of people, many of whom were wearing black or shirts and pins with the word "freedom," were seen waiting to enter. Inside, young children were seen running up and down the aisles as their parents sang praise and worship songs at the faith-filled memorial, where top Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, delivered remarks.
"It's been a mixture of unspeakable sadness and grief and anger and even fear," Johnson said. "It's as if a dark shadow was cast over our country."
Johnson added that he believes Kirk "would never want us to be overcome by despair, he would want exactly the opposite."
"And we'd do well to be reminded that the best way to honor his memory and to honor his unmatched legacy is to live as Charlie did," the Louisiana Republican said.
Read More: Number of New Chapter Requests for TPUSA Explodes—'This Will Birth an Army of Charlie Kirks'
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt spoke to Kirk's unapologetic faith and unapologetic commitment to the traditional family.
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EMOTIONAL TRIBUTE: Karoline Leavitt honors Charlie Kirk's legacy during a vigil at the Kennedy Center: "When so many influential voices in our society are brainwashing young people to abandon our faith, to stay single, not to have children and to bash our country, Charlie Kirk… pic.twitter.com/KcJApXIOjH
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 15, 2025
EMOTIONAL TRIBUTE: Karoline Leavitt honors Charlie Kirk's legacy during a vigil at the Kennedy Center: "When so many influential voices in our society are brainwashing young people to abandon our faith, to stay single, not to have children and to bash our country, Charlie Kirk offered us an alternative path."
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who credits Charlie Kirk for the forging of the MAGA/MAHA alliance, also had powerful words not just about Kirk, but about how, as a Kennedy, he learned to handle grief and loss.
Kennedy said he and Kirk became "spiritual brothers" after meeting during a podcast interview in 2021 before sharing a personal anecdote about dealing with grief and loss in his family.
"When my brother David died, I had a conversation with my mother who had been through more than her share of loss and tragedy," Kennedy said. "And I said, I asked her ... does the hole they leave in you when they die, does it ever get any smaller?"
"And she said, no, it never gets any smaller. But our job is to build ourselves bigger around the hole," he added.
Across the country, the amplification and the growth have been happening, and vigils continue to be planned and hosted across America and the world.
Read it Here: Feel-Good Friday: In the Wake of Charlie Kirk's Murder, Vigils and Vigilance Spread Across the Globe
In Charlie Kirk's hometown of Arlington Heights, Illinois, the citizens banded together and spoke of Kirk's inspiration to be a better Christian, friend, activist, and to not be silenced.
Pictures of Charlie’s vigil in Arlington Heights. pic.twitter.com/U1Ca15cPRj
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) September 14, 2025
This powerful statement of unity and vision from one of the speakers elicited strong applause and chants of "USA!"
It was beautiful. My husband spoke there today. pic.twitter.com/Y7ERFZnhEJ
— JA Johnson (@PatriotVoice24) September 15, 2025
Despite NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's cowardly punt in directing the franchises on how they could honor Charlie Kirk, as compared to Goodell's directives after George Floyd's death in 2020, a number of the franchises offered a moment of silence or paid tribute to Kirk.
Sports teams across America paused this week to honor Charlie Kirk, recognizing his legacy as a champion of faith and patriotism. The White House acknowledged these tributes on September 14.
The widespread commemorations reflect Kirk’s influence on millions of Americans who embraced his message of traditional values. Major sports organizations joined in remembering his dedication to inspiring young patriots.
Nine NFL teams held moments of silence or special recognitions during games. The Dallas Cowboys were among the first to honor Kirk, joined by the Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, and New Orleans Saints. The Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, and Arizona Cardinals also participated.
Across the country in deep blue Oregon, hundreds showed up in Eugene to pay tribute.
A look at how large the crowd was last night in Eugene, Oregon for the Charlie Kirk vigil. Hundreds of people showed up. I’d estimate 600 to 800 people were there. pic.twitter.com/EblAGqlYCt
— C.K. Bouferrache aka Honeybadgermom (@hunnybadgermom) September 15, 2025
The West Coast of California would not be outdone. Tributes in Huntington Beach and San Clemente saw thousands invade the beach.
Tonight’s vigil for Charlie Kirk in Huntington Beach, California.
— Turning Point USA (@TPUSA) September 15, 2025
The outpouring of people across the world gathering in faith and prayer to honor Charlie’s life and legacy has been remarkable.
If you’ve held or attended a vigil, please reply with your photos or videos. pic.twitter.com/EUA3elOdhM
The vigil for Charlie tonight in San Clemente (hosted by @calvarysouthoc ) was 5-7k strong. Charlie’s pastor @robmccoyus showed up to share some personal stories and pray with us and for us. We worshipped. We even laughed a little. I’m grateful to have experienced this. pic.twitter.com/r6qRCsblxB
— Kira (@RealKiraDavis) September 15, 2025
And Canadians singing the American national anthem? That's quite the testament to Kirk's reach and impact.
Canadians in Calgary paid tribute to Charlie Kirk by singing the American National Anthem.
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) September 15, 2025
Many were holding up signs saying “I am Charlie Kirk” and “Be the Charlie Kirk we need in the world.”
Wow.
pic.twitter.com/pW7aBP3VYG
Every hour, a new tribute or vigil is being planned, including one in Boston. Even in Massachusetts, they recognize the weight of the moment. Who would have thought?
🙏 Prayer Vigil for Charlie Kirk – Boston 🙏
— Chester Tam (@islantstudio) September 15, 2025
Please join us this Thursday, September 18th from 7PM–10PM at the Boston Commons Gazebos (139 Tremont Street, Boston, MA) for a special prayer vigil honoring the life and leadership of Charlie Kirk.
We will gather not only to honor… pic.twitter.com/Y7cx4RAAIa
Prayer Vigil for Charlie Kirk – Boston
Please join us this Thursday, September 18th from 7PM–10PM at the Boston Commons Gazebos (139 Tremont Street, Boston, MA) for a special prayer vigil honoring the life and leadership of Charlie Kirk.
We will gather not only to honor Charlie’s voice for America, but to stand united as patriots committed to faith, freedom, and our great nation.
Boston Commons Gazebos – 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA
Thursday, Sept 18th
7PM–10PM
Together, we remember. Together, we stand. Together, we keep America first.
UNREAL - Sparta NJ Mayor Neill Clark reportedly screamed at residents tonight praying for Charlie Kirk at a vigil while refusing to lower the flag in his honor.
— Jay Costa (@JayCostaUSA) September 15, 2025
There is an AWAKENING happening right now in our country and in our state. I love the kids at the end. "God Bless… pic.twitter.com/31Q8CXfX2x
And certain actors in Arizona are tearing down posters announcing a Monday candlelight vigil at Arizona State University. How backward can you be to act like this?
🚨HAPPENING NOW:
— College Republicans at ASU (@asu_gop) September 15, 2025
The radical left is going dorm to dorm at ASU TEARING DOWN Charlie Kirk prayer vigil fliers.
The left is doing everything they can to shut down this event.
Please share this flyer with everyone you know
RSVP HERE >>https://t.co/5wUrU01QEo pic.twitter.com/xSoXaDjibq
Yet, the movement and the message Kirk spearheaded continue, growing daily in power and presence. Pastor Paul Chappell wrote, "Charlie’s legacy must not end with admiration. It must continue through action."
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