"Nearly 100,000 people filled an American football stadium and overflow arena in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday to pay tribute to Kirk, according to his his organisation Turning Point USA. The 31-year-old staunch Trump ally was shot dead on 10 September. The service was a show of force that blended politics with religion, putting Christian nationalism at the heart of Trump's Make America great again (Maga) movement."
"Kirk's widow, Erika, earned widespread praise for a tearful address in which she said she forgives the man charged with her husband's killing. She told the crowd: My husband, Charlie, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life. I forgive him. Erika Kirk is taking over as leader of Turning Point USA, which was crucial in mobilising young voters for Trump in last year's election."
"The memorial featured leading Christian rock artists, giving it the air at times of a megachurch Sunday service. As music filled the arena, some mourners dressed in red, white and blue closed their eyes and swayed with their arms in the air, tears rolling down their cheeks. But there was a mark shift in tone with Trump and other political figures took the stage. They cast Kirks death as a pivotal moment in the conservative movement, exhorting followers to finish the work he began in sometimes aggressive and ominous language."
Nearly 100,000 people gathered in Glendale, Arizona, for a memorial that blended religious worship and political rallying, centering Christian nationalism within the MAGA movement. The 31-year-old Trump ally had been shot dead on 10 September and the event cast him as a potential martyr and galvanizing figure for future elections. Erika Kirk delivered a tearful, forgiving address and will take over Turning Point USA. The organisation has attracted donor support and new youth branches. Music and worship created a megachurch atmosphere, before political figures shifted tone and urged followers to continue Kirk's work.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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