Thousands Mourn Charlie Kirk at Arizona Memorial
Thousands gathered at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on September 21 to celebrate the life of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The memorial, which reached maximum capacity of 63,400 with a standing-room capacity of 78,600, was a touching tribute to the late activist who was fatally shot while speaking at a college campus tour stop in Utah three weeks ago.
The event kicked off with worship music by legendary worship artists, livestreamed and reaching over seven million views. Among the attendees were Grand Canyon University (GCU) students, including future broadcasters Olivia Osen and Kyle Schmidt. They recorded standup monologues, interviewed fellow students, and gathered B-roll footage for their news package.
The memorial saw the presence of many prominent figures, including President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance. Over 20 people delivered special messages, with notable figures such as Trump, Vance, and Erika Kirk, Charlie's widow, paying their respects. GCU students worked alongside national news outlets like ABC News, Fox News, and CBS to cover the event. GCU President Brian Mueller was also interviewed by the students for their news package.
The memorial for Charlie Kirk was a testament to his impact, drawing a massive crowd and widespread media attention. GCU students played a significant role in covering the event, demonstrating their skills and dedication to journalism.
