A small group of Kirk critics gathered outside the stadium, some with placards bearing some of the pundit’s more controversial quotes. Most appeared to be congregants of Westboro Baptist Church, a far-right religious group that issued a press release attacking Kirk a week ago. “The Christ that [Kirk] preached was not the Christ of the Bible,” the group said in a statement. “He was no different than all other false Christians as he lied and mistakenly taught free will and that God loves everyone.”
According to one attendee, opposition to Kirk’s message is welcome. “I love the protesters. That’s what America’s about. I was there on January 6th,” said Kirk mourner and Vietnam veteran “New York Myke” Shelby, referring to the pro-Trump protests of Jan. 6, 2021. “I went there because I didn’t think Joe Biden could get 81 million votes. I still don’t believe it. … That’s what Charlie Kirk was about.”
Others said that those who spoke against Kirk—such as suspended talk show host Jimmy Kimmel—deserved to be muffled. “Just a few years ago they were banning Trump on Twitter and Facebook and those kinds of things,” said Tasha Pantau, who with her daughter, Sheridan wore a red “Make America Great Again” hat. “So they didn’t mind when it happened to Trump.”
As the stadium began to fill, lines of demarcation grew more visible. Black-suited men, many in sunglasses, prowled the perimeter, as casually dressed mourners—most clad in the red, white, and blue attire requested by organizers—filled the stands. On the floor of the stadium were more prominent members of the movement, most dressed in more traditional funeral garb.
By 11 a.m. local time, nearly all the seats in State Farm Stadium were full, the air a combination tent revival and political rally. Attendees holding up signs bearing Bible verses stood shoulder-to-shoulder, many engaged in loud and enthusiastic prayer that contributed to the deafening noise. Friends and strangers embraced, many in tears. Others expressed joy and hope for a future shaped by Kirk beliefs.
“Looking forward Turning Point is going to grow exponentially, which effects directly the youth of this country,” said Allan Weistock, whose biker vest reads “Born to Ride for 45, Donald J. Trump.” “So I think that’s a great thing. As much as I miss Charlie, his movement’s only going to grow.”
