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President Donald Trump spoke for more than 40 minutes at the public memorial for conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Sunday, September 21. The service was held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, to honor Kirk, who was shot and killed on September 10 while hosting a campus debate at Utah Valley University. He was 31 years old.
During his speech, Trump shared memories of his last conversations with Kirk. He said Kirk made a simple but heartfelt request before his death: “Please, sir, save Chicago.” Trump told the crowd he promised to do exactly that, saying, “We’re gonna save Chicago from horrible crime.”
The president then tied Kirk’s words into his broader crime crackdown plans. He explained that his administration has already taken steps in Washington, D.C., and will soon move into Memphis. After that, Chicago will be next. Trump said he would carry out that mission with Kirk’s memory in mind.
“I’m so proud of Washington, D.C., and now we’re going into Memphis, and we’ll get that one straightened out fast,” he said. “And then we’re going into some others, but we’re going to do Chicago, and we’re going to have Charlie very much in mind.”
Trump also used the eulogy to preview a major medical announcement. He told the audience his administration had found what he described as an “answer” for autism, calling it one of the biggest medical breakthroughs in U.S. history. Reports suggest the announcement, scheduled for Monday, September 22, will claim a link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism, though scientists have not confirmed such a connection.
Kirk, who grew up in Arlington Heights, Illinois, became a key figure in conservative politics after founding Turning Point USA as a teenager. Under his leadership, the group grew into one of the most influential youth organizations in Republican politics.
Tyler Robinson has been charged in Kirk’s killing. He faces charges including aggravated murder, firing a gun unlawfully, and obstruction of justice.
Kirk leaves behind his wife Erika and their two young children. Trump closed his eulogy by saying he had once told Kirk he could even see him becoming president someday.