On September 23, Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt’s wife, Tavia Hunt, took to her Instagram Stories to share some words after Charlie Kirk’s death. Tavia Hunt’s post read,

“When a man’s life ended in public for having different beliefs, leaving a wife without a husband and 2 children without a father, and you dismiss it or celebrate it, that has nothing to do with who he was, that is a reflection of who you are.”

This post comes as President Donald Trump calls Kirk a “great American hero” and “martyr” during his speech at a memorial service in Arizona.

Donald Trump Leads Arizona Memorial as Charlie Kirk Is Hailed a ‘Martyr’

Charlie Kirk Comments By KU Employee Called Out By Tavia Hunt. Photo credits: Imagn

On September 22, U.S. President Donald Trump headlined a memorial service in Arizona for conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA at just 18, was shot dead on September 10 while debating students at a Utah university. Trump officials have repeatedly described his death as a rallying point for the conservative movement, which currently controls both the White House and Congress [BBC].

Vice-President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. were among the senior officials present. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles credited Kirk with mobilising the youth vote for Trump, saying the movement “wouldn’t be here without him.”

“He’s a martyr now for America’s freedom,” President Trump told mourners. “I know I speak for everyone here today when I say that none of us will ever forget Charlie. And neither now will history.”

The five-hour event combined political rally elements with megachurch music. Attendees queued for hours, many wearing MAGA hats and red, white, and blue outfits. Christian bands led sing-alongs before speeches from Turning Point USA leaders and figures shaped by Kirk’s activism.

Kirk’s wife, Erika Kirk, named the new CEO of Turning Point USA, gave the most emotional address:

“These past 10 days after Charlie’s assassination, we didn’t see violence. Instead, we saw revival. That man, that young man, I forgive him. I forgive him because it was what Christ did and it is what Charlie would do.”

Trump openly disagreed with Kirk’s philosophy of goodwill toward opponents:

“He did not hate his opponents, he wanted the best for them. That’s where I disagree with Charlie. I hate my opponents and I don’t want what’s best for them.”

Authorities have charged 22-year-old Tyler Robinson with Kirk’s murder; prosecutors confirmed he faces the death penalty but have not disclosed a motive.