My Analysis of and My Emotions Felt at Charlie Kirk’s Memorial Service

Sunday, September 21, 2025, will go down in history as one of America’s – and maybe the world’s – most significant days. 
 
By now you have read hundreds, or perhaps thousands, of accounts regarding Charlie Kirk’s Memorial Service. Allow me to give you another perspective as one who attended this unprecedented event.
 
Let me say at the outset, it was one of the most spiritually powerful moments of my life. I realized as it was progressing, that I would quite likely never ever again witness such a public display of the love of God, adoration of Jesus Christ, affirming the Holy Spirit, and a desire to see America walk in godliness and love for the nuclear family. Candidly, it felt like “a touch of heaven.”

CROWDS
I knew that getting a taxi, Uber or Lyft would be impossible. Thus, I arranged for a friend to pick me up at my hotel at 5:30am for the 11am event. Surely 5.5 hours should be plenty of time to get in, given the fact that I was only a mile and a half from the arena. However, the traffic was so backed up on the freeway that he could not get to me. I walked out and found an Uber waiting for a lady who did not show up. Therefore, he proceeded to drive me. However, to my surprise, he could only go about two blocks. Streets were blocked everywhere. 
 
I got out and joined thousands and thousands of others walking. Candidly, I was not fully oriented on exactly where to go because of the newly installed fences or gates around the arena. I had been invited to attend by “Turning Point Pastors,” and was told which gate to enter, but I was not sure where the Secret Service crowd fencing would allow us to get in.

It was still dark, which means the Arizona temperature was bearable, but coming from San Diego, it still felt uncomfortably hot. I arrived at the location at about 6:00 am.

After about fifteen minutes, we were directed to move forward into a line. Eventually, several of us realized that we were in the wrong line. We were to go to the VIP line, which was some distance away. Once there, we went through security. This location was separate from the massive groups. There were only a few hundred waiting at the VIP entrance. I realized that no one was in a line. They were simply gathered in small groups visiting. Thus, I walked right up to the main doors and ended up visiting with the band members who would later play the praise songs. 
 
The doors were scheduled to open for VIP at 7:00 am, and at 8:00 am for general admission. The doors opened for us at 6:53 am. However, we had trouble finding our way from these upper levels down to the floor. Since our lanyards said “FLOOR,” and we were to go the “White Section,” I asked a security man, “How do we get to the floor?” He responded, “What floor?” I then realized I had asked the wrong guy. 
 
However, he proved to be helpful and tried to get us down there. I was one of the first ones to the “White Section,” toward the front of the floor, and got a great seat. But now it was only 7:05 am, and the event was not scheduled to begin until 11:00 am.

But the good news is, as people streamed in, it became a wonderful family reunion, getting to talk to many friends from all over the nation. I got to visit briefly with Rob McCoy, Frank Turek, Glenn Beck, Lucas Miles, Andrew Womack, Mark Driscoll, Eric Metaxas, Tim Clinton, Travis Johnson, Barry Meguire, and so many more. What a delight. At around 8:30 am the first ring of the arena was filled. The pre-worship music began. It was powerful.

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WORSHIP
Given the remarkable pre-worship from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, and the times of visiting, the time passed quickly. A few minutes after 11:00 am, it began. And it was spectacular.
 
Worship was led by Chris Tomlin, Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, Brandon Lake, Phil Wickham, and Tiffany Hudson. It was breathtaking. They kept our focus clearly on Jesus.

SPEAKERS
Pastor Rob McCoy stated, “Come to the source, and that’s the Lord.” He gave a powerful call to receive Christ as Savior and Lord. He called on those who wanted to accept Christ to stand. Thousands did. A man two rows in front of me stood. He was there with his son and daughter-in-law, and his grandson. A young college age man stood, dressed in a suit and tie, who was seated two seats to my left.

Rebecca Dunn, one of the earlier supporters of the young 18-year-old Charlie Kirk, told that Charlie was supposed to speak at her husband’s memorial service, but now, instead, she was speaking at Charlie’s. She gave a glimpse into the beginning of Turning Point. She gave a tender personal touch.

Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, extolled Charlie’s intellectual acumen, and announced a scholarship for Charlie’s children. Hillsdale was one of the institutions who helped expand and sharpen Charlie’s vast knowledge.

Mikey McCoy told of traveling with Charlie from age 18, and how he found his wife-to-be at Turning Point. He is the very talented son of Pastor Rob McCoy.

Tyler Bowyer, COO of Turning Point Action, shared the early days, the humble beginnings of Turning Point. The stories were remarkable. Turning Point, with is current 1,000 employees, is a miraculous story. And he reported that Charlie always wanted to bring the Holy Spirit into a Trump rally. Bowyer said Charlie must be having some FOMO (fear of missing out) because that is what the memorial service had become.

Stacy Sheridan shared the way that Charlie cared for others in need. She has served Turning Point so faithfully, from early on.

Justin Strieff described a theme that several echoed. As a young man, Charlie worked 24/7. They started Turning Point in a little garage in Chicago. He was constantly on a plane, raising funds and recruiting students to embrace the dream. He would work from extremely early, then into the night hours.

Andrew Kolvet, producer of The Charlie Kirk Show, compared Charlie’s college tour to tent revivals. He called Charlie a prophet, a biblical prophet, whose message was to confront evil and call people to repent and be saved.

Dr. Ben Carson urged people to “get on board” with the revival that is coming. He reminded us that the “social gospel” is not the gospel at all. He called out preachers who failed to preach the full truth of the Bible today.

Benny Johnson powerfully reminded listeners that one of the roles of government is to restrain evil persons, and that is happening now in America.

Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna made it clear that without Turning Point, she would not be a Congresswoman. She traveled for one year with Turning Point honing her views and speaking skills.

Jack Posobiec, powerful associate of Charlie, made the case that when future historians look back on the saving of Western Civilization, they will look back to the martyrdom of Charlie Kirk as being “the turning point.”

Apologist Frank Turek, who had been with Charlie the moment he was shot, and who rode in the SUV that rushed Charlie to the hospital, shared these painful moments. Then he too extended an opportunity to serve the Jesus that Charlie served.

By then the cameras picked up that President Trump had entered the arena, and the massive IMAG screens showed him. The crowd roared their affirmation of his presence.

Sergio Gor, Director of the White House Office of Presidential Personnel, told of getting a texted Bible verse from Charlie every morning, because he “loved Jesus Christ.” As you can see, these “inside glimpses” of Charlie Kirk help reveal who he was. 
 
Although these things were not mentioned, most people have heard Charlie say that he never views pornography, never touches alcohol, and strictly observes the Sabbath (Saturday) as a day of rest, turning off all phones from Friday sundown to Sunday morning. In fact, his book to be released posthumously will be about how to observe Shabbat.

Stephen Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, told the crowd that our tears had turned to a “righteous fury,” which our enemies cannot comprehend or understand. Speaking to the enemies of truth, he warned, “You thought you could kill Charlie Kirk. You have made him immortal.”

Susie Wiles, White House Chief of Staff, extolled Kirk’s abilities, stating, “For Charlie, making America great again meant bringing young people to this movement, and making sure they knew they belonged.”
 
Throughout this stunning event, there were video “buffers” as they are called. They were accompanied by powerful arrangements alternating between “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” and “It is Well With My Soul.” These historic hymns added to the majesty and celestial elegance of the event.

Note: An explanation is needed regarding this next speaker. Tucker Carlson is a much more complex figure. Allow me to say first, he did a superb job at the memorial service. In fact, they were some of the most remarkable comments stated. 
 
The backdrop for me is that Tucker, so anointed and so gifted, has, for reasons that are not clear to me, become – and I hate to use the word – antisemitic. Some will argue this one, but I have reviewed carefully enough comments which cause me to make that statement. 
 
Why? How did he become that way? I do know that when he went to Israel and conducted an extensive interview in Israel, he unfortunately went to persons who had affiliation with the Bethlehem Bible College. That sounds like a nice place. Not so. It is run by people who I believe are antisemites. Tucker, instead of talking to persons who really understand Israel, went to those who do not like the Jews and their role in Israel. 
 
Furthermore, his interview with Ted Cruz demonstrated his reversionistic approach to Genesis 12:3 and the dismissal that the present-day Jews and present-day Israel are of any biblical significance. Is Tucker an antisemite? My conclusion is, painfully, yes. I get no joy out of writing this. I sincerely hope I am wrong. 
 
I have so respected him in the past. In fact, he has been, years ago, one of the finest communicators of truth that I have followed. But that changed in recent years. His view of the Jewish people and Israel is a cause for alarm. 
 
If he merely said that we can disagree with some of the decisions of the Israeli government or of Prime Minister Netanyahu, we all could have agreed. I do not agree with everything that top Israeli government officials say and do. I could list them for you right now. But Tucker has gone much further than that. 
 
In contrast, Charlie Kirk loved Israel and the Jewish people. In fact, the first time I met Charlie, it was in Jerusalem. 
 
Furthermore, Tucker’s perplexing infatuation with Russian dictator and thug Putin is inexplicable. His disdain for Ukraine and his admiration for Putin is puzzling.
 
Having said that, his comments at Charlie’s service were generally good, except for the first comments. 
 
I apologize for having to start with the one thing he said that was wrong, but then I will get to the things he said that were right.
 
He stated that, in effect, 2,000 years ago, the Jews killed Jesus. That is the old accusation of “blood libel.” Every student of the Word knows that the Jews did not kill Jesus. In fact, the Roman soldiers did not kill Jesus. My sins, and your sins, killed Jesus. He died because of and for our sins. 
 
Furthermore, Jesus Himself said (John 10:18), “No one takes it (His life) from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” Admittedly some Jews and some Romans were involved in the process, but they are not the ones that “killed” Jesus. Our sins killed Jesus.

Social media has been buzzing that Tucker was sending an additional message. That message was that "just as the Jews killed Jesus, the Jews were also the ones that killed Charlie Kirk." Both of these statements about the Jews are completely false. I suspect that this utterly ridiculous concept was being advanced because of the bizarre comments from Candace Owens.

I certainly hope that Tucker was not suggesting any such thing. I'm going to extend grace on this and assume that he surely did not intend to imply any such thing. Such a view is totally irrational and without any foundation.

Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, is always a profound communicator.

Note: This one requires some extra commentary as well. She has a background in Hinduism. When sworn into Congress, she placed her hand on the Bhagavad Gita. Her comments at Charlie’s service included references to God, as was noted in some articles. In Hinduism, the reference might be to “gods.” [Note: Vivek Ramaswamy is also Hindu, but he is apparently a part of an offshoot of Hinduism which is monotheistic, thus he refers to “God,” not “gods.”] Gabbard also referred to “the Lord.” In Hinduism, the term “Lord” can refer to Vishnu or Shiva. Was she using the term “Lord” in that manner? Or could it mean she has possibly been drawn into the faith that Charlie embraced. I do not know. 
 
She has made a significant shift politically. Is it possible she has been impacted by Charlie and others and has also moved theologically and spiritually. Once again, I do not know.

Here is what she shared in her own words: “Our call to action is now: every one of us needs to be a warrior like Charlie. To take shelter in God, to take strength and fearlessness from the Lord who sits in every one of our hearts, to stand together, continue the mission that Charlie dedicated his life, sharpen our weapons of truth, common sense, reason, train to study, to learn, and to use our God-given right to speak and carry that torch that shines brightly because of God’s love.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio laid out the story of the life of Jesus, the crucifixion, His death for our sins, the resurrection, the return of Jesus, and how to receive forgiveness of sins, as clear as any preacher ever has. It was remarkable. This was one of the profound moments of the event.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth shared these words, “Only Christ is King, our Lord and Savior. Our sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus.” This theme was repeated so often. The gospel being repeatedly shared made this event a phenomenal tribute to Charlie’s deep beliefs.

Secretary of HHS Robert Kennedy challenged the crowd to live a life of devotion, with “spiritual fire.” He told the story of his daughter reporting that his granddaughter was leaving for a trip a few days after Charlie Kirk was martyred. When she was asked why she packed her Bible, the granddaughter reported to her mother that it was “because of Charlie Kirk.”

 Donald Trump, Jr., hardly known for his biblical lifestyle and scriptural literacy, gave a profound talk. He cited the story of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, being stoned to death, in the biblical account from Acts 7. Verses 55 and 56 state, “But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’”
 
Don Jr. noted that the Son of Man is more often cited as “sitting” at the right hand of God, but as Stephen looked into heaven, Jesus was standing. He made the unique application that quite possibly, as Charlie was being martyred, Jesus, once again, was standing, to welcome him into heaven. 
 
Some online people commented that Don Jr. undoubtedly had some speech writers craft that talk for him. Possibly so. My view is, “So what?” He chose to share those words before 100 million people (or more). Even though we did not see into heaven as Charlie died, the thought of Jesus “standing” to welcome Charlie the martyr provided a tender and comforting word to the crowd. I was proud of Don Jr. for sharing these thoughts. 
 
And I need to add that Don Jr. began with a hilarious impersonation of his father. Looking from his skybox, the President was laughing with us all.

Vice President J.D. Vance shared that people expected us to have a “funeral,” but instead we are having a “revival.” He stated that he had talked about Jesus more in the last two weeks than ever before. His comments reflect his growing spiritual maturity. He was superb.

Then came Erika. It is impossible to put in words what the audience felt. Candidly, we were all shedding tears. If you saw it, you know what I mean.
 
She approached the podium slowly. Very slowly. Then once there, there was a long pause. She was praying. She was asking God for help. Her lips indicated her crying out to Jesus to help her. Once she spoke, we understood that it was not merely a young widow whose husband had just been assassinated. It was so much more.

The crowning moment of the entire five hour event was when she uttered the words that will remain immortal across the centuries. After citing the words of Jesus on the cross about forgiving those who executed Him, for they know not what they do, Erika whispered those words that touched the entire cosmos: “That man, that young man, I forgive him.” You could see the indescribable pain in her words. It was not easy to proclaim. Yet there was resolve. She was going to say them. Rather, she declared them. 
 
Spiritually minded people know what happened in that moment. She broke the power of Satan. Forgiveness does that. It blocks Satan and releases the blessings of God. 
 
Spiritually dull persons or spiritually immature people may not understand this. But biblically grounded persons can “see into the heavenlies, where the spiritual battle is taking place for our nation, and our families.” With those words, she crippled the demonic forces. She was not going to participate in a life of bitterness.

By her act of forgiveness, Erika broke free from the devil’s bait: to be offended. She was free! And by declaring it, she helped set millions of others free as well.
 
That one sentence will be remembered 100 years from now. And beyond. Every news report carried this as a headline. Historians will tell and retell this moment. And well they should. She majestically lived out the gospel, in the most difficult times imaginable. 
 
And in the years to come, we will see that freedom of forgiveness envelope her children, as they are raised with her biblically-grounded maturity.

President Trump was the “closer,” and he did it in typical Trumpian fashion. Without filters, he contrasted himself with Erika, joking that he hated his enemies, and that Erika was going to have to help him on that one.
 
His planned speech was tender to Erika and so respectful of Charlie. He did a superb job of being “a father to the nation.” His presence added a sense of “Everything will be alright.”

He even noted that we were having an "old-time revival." And we certainly were. He was right

Her further said, "We want to bring God back into our beautiful USA like never before. We want God back."

Consider giving a tax-deductible donation to Well Versed, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, to continue bringing biblical principles of governance to government leaders and YOU!

Blessings,
Dr. Jim Garlow
CEO/Founder
Well Versed

Rosemary Schindler Garlow
Co-Founder
Well Versed