Tears Flow, Trump Meets Musk at Emotional Charlie Kirk Memorial Service

Watch: Prayer, Tears, and a Trump-Musk Handshake at Kirk Memorial GLendale, Arizona - Tens of thousands of people gathered at State Farm Stadium on Tuesday for the memorial service of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative commentator. The event was marked by prayer, tears, and a surprise handshake between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The memorial service began with a moment of silence, followed by prayers led by Pastor Paula White-Cain, a longtime ally of the former president. As attendees stood to sing "God Bless America," many were visibly emotional, wiping away tears as they paid their respects to Kirk. President Trump took the stage shortly after 10:00 AM local time, delivering a eulogy that praised Kirk's dedication to conservative causes and his unwavering commitment to free speech. Trump also took aim at the "radical left," which he claimed was trying to silence voices like Kirk's. "I'm honored to be here today to pay my respects to Charlie Kirk," Trump said. "He was a good man, a great American, and a true patriot." As Trump spoke, Vice-President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Health Secretary Robert Califf were seated in the front row, visibly moved by the ceremony. Following Trump's eulogy, Elon Musk took the stage to deliver his own tribute to Kirk. The billionaire entrepreneur praised Kirk's passion for free speech and his commitment to defending conservative values. "I'm honored to have known Charlie," Musk said. "He was a true champion of freedom and a fierce defender of our rights." As Musk spoke, President Trump stood up from his seat and walked over to the stage, where he extended his hand in a surprise gesture of solidarity with the billionaire entrepreneur. The handshake between Trump and Musk sparked widespread attention on social media, with many praising the two men for putting aside their differences to pay tribute to Kirk. Background: Charlie Kirk was a prominent conservative commentator who founded Turning Point USA, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting free speech and conservative values. He passed away suddenly last week at the age of 37. The memorial service was attended by thousands of people from across the country, including many high-profile conservatives and politicians. As the ceremony came to a close, attendees were left in awe of the outpouring of support for Kirk's family and legacy. "It's been an incredible honor to be here today," said Pastor Paula White-Cain. "Charlie was a true friend to so many people, and his passing has left a huge void in our lives." In Pictures: Thousands Attend Charlie Kirk Memorial Service The memorial service marked the latest development in the ongoing saga surrounding Charlie Kirk's life and legacy. As the conservative movement continues to grapple with its own identity and purpose, Kirk's passing serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of free speech and the need for continued vigilance against those who seek to silence us. For now, the focus remains on supporting Kirk's family and honoring his memory. As one attendee noted, "Charlie may be gone, but his spirit lives on in all of us." *Reporting by Bbc.*