This Sunday, families and supporters across America attended church services with heavy hearts, marking the first weekend without conservative leader Charlie Kirk. As the details of Kirk’s public memorial service were released, the nation paused to reflect on the legacy of a man whose impact stretched far beyond political lines.

A Nation in Mourning

At Turning Point USA’s headquarters in Phoenix, thousands gathered, leaving flowers and heartfelt cards in honor of Charlie Kirk. The somber scene was punctuated by quiet prayers, personal stories, and a palpable sense of loss. Kirk’s widow, Erika, moved many to tears as she spoke publicly for the first time since her husband’s death.

“He will be remembered for his courage and his faith,” Erika said, her voice trembling. “He was the perfect husband and father.” She recounted the heartbreaking moment when their young daughter asked about her father, saying, “I told her, ‘Daddy loves you so much. He’s on a work trip with Jesus so he can afford your blueberry budget.’”

The powerful image of Erika holding Charlie’s cross necklace—one he wore faithfully until his final moments—became a symbol of both grief and enduring hope. “He put that cross on and never took it off again until he was… until he was assassinated,” she shared. “The people caring for him ripped it off as they tried to save his life, and now I wear it always.”

Unprecedented Growth at Turning Point USA

Since Erika’s emotional remarks and vow to continue her husband’s work, Turning Point USA has seen an explosion of support. Over 18,000 new chapter requests have flooded in from students nationwide, eager to carry on Kirk’s mission. The organization’s headquarters has become a place of pilgrimage for many, with supporters expressing their determination to stand up for faith and truth.

“There’s a lot of us that want to pray together and reach towards Jesus in this really painful moment,” said one supporter outside the Phoenix office. “His legacy is that we have to be courageous in our faith. We have to stand up for truth.”

A Massive Memorial Service

Next Sunday, national leaders—including former President Donald Trump—will honor Charlie Kirk at a massive public memorial service at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The event is expected to draw thousands, with tributes from student supporters, political figures, and faith leaders.

Tonight, a prayer vigil will be held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., where House Speaker Mike Johnson and Trump administration officials will share remarks. The outpouring of support underscores the far-reaching influence Kirk had on the conservative movement and beyond.

Riley Gaines Reflects on Kirk’s Legacy

Joining Fox News Live, OutKick host Riley Gaines shared her thoughts on Charlie Kirk’s enduring legacy. As a young conservative and host of Gaines for Girls, Riley credited Kirk for inspiring her and countless others.

“Truthfully, I don’t think his impact can be overstated,” Gaines said. “Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA made MAGA cool again. We’re living in 2025, a totally different climate than 2020, and we largely have people like Charlie Kirk to thank for that.”

Gaines described Kirk’s mission to turn first-time MAGA voters into lifelong conservatives as “exactly the trajectory he was on.” She praised Erika Kirk’s strength, calling her “widow’s battle cry” a rallying point for the movement.

“Donations like we’ve never seen before. People inquiring about starting chapters at both high school and college levels. I just got back from church—there were no parking spots, no empty seats, people waiting in the lobby for the next service. Really powerful,” Gaines shared.

She echoed Erika’s sentiment, saying, “Charlie Kirk died a martyr, and that’s exactly what I believe he’s died as.”

Courage in the Face of Adversity

Kirk’s willingness to debate anyone and take questions from all comers was a hallmark of his approach. Gaines noted, “All he did was sit at a table and say ‘prove me wrong.’ They knew they couldn’t. They didn’t have the words or the intellect to prove him wrong, so they prematurely ended his life.”

For Gaines and many others, Kirk’s death has sparked a surge of new voices willing to engage in civil discourse and stand up for truth. “I believe his death has inspired 10,000, if not more, Charlie Kirks across the nation to hopefully engage in the same format and debate style and critical thinking that he did,” she said.

Rising to the Challenge

Despite concerns about safety following Kirk’s assassination on a college campus, Gaines remains hopeful. “We’ve been the silent majority for a long time because we feared retaliation and emotional blackmail. Now we have to physically fear for our lives and safety. But I feel more hopeful now than I did even just last week.”

She pointed to figures like Matt Walsh, Ben Shapiro, and Megyn Kelly, who have vowed to continue Kirk’s work. “Doing that is giving courage to others. Turning Point announced they’ll continue with the college tour, putting people in the belly of the beast—academic institutions—where the message needs to be heard. That’s exactly what Charlie would want.”

Gaines concluded, “I have to imagine, especially coming from church, that Charlie is looking down right now with the biggest smile on his face, to see the revival that his death has started amongst Christians and conservatives.”

The Path Forward

As the nation mourns, Turning Point USA is poised to continue Kirk’s mission, fueled by unprecedented support and renewed determination. Erika Kirk’s vow to keep fighting, Riley Gaines’s call for courage, and the surge in new chapters all point to a movement that refuses to be silenced.

Tonight’s prayer vigil, next week’s memorial, and the ongoing tributes are more than ceremonies—they are a testament to the power of faith, conviction, and community.