Democrats stay silent as Charlie Kirk memorial service energises Trump's Maga movement

Democrats maintained a wary silence yesterday as Donald Trump's Republican party appeared galvanised by a memorial service for the rightwing activist Charlie Kirk that was part religious revival, part political rally.

- David Smith

Nearly 100,000 people filled a football stadium and overflow arena in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday to pay tribute to Kirk, according to 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. It also cast Kirk as a martyr who could be a rallying point in future elections.

"Today is the day Democrats lost 2028," tweeted Meghan McCain, the daughter of the late Republican senator John McCain.

Kirk's widow, Erika, earned widespread praise for a tearful address in which she said she forgave 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."

Kirk is taking over as leader of Turning Point, which was crucial in mobilising young voters for Trump in last year's election. The organisation has said it had received a wave of support from big donors and Trump allies since Kirk's death, along with young conservatives pledging to start new branches.