The Ben Shapiro Show – Ep. 2285 - “REVIVAL: Charlie Kirk’s MASSIVE Memorial Event”

Date: September 22, 2025
Host: Ben Shapiro

Episode Overview

This episode provides an in-depth recap and emotional reflection on the memorial event for Charlie Kirk, the late founder of Turning Point USA. Ben Shapiro, who attended the Arizona stadium ceremony together with political and faith leaders, highlights the event’s focus on spiritual revival, the growth of Christian faith among young conservatives, and the intersection of faith and politics in Charlie Kirk’s legacy. Major speeches and moments from the memorial are shared, including Erica Kirk’s powerful forgiveness, reactions from the Trump administration, and critiques of left-wing political responses to Kirk’s assassination.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Scope and Impact of the Memorial (00:00–02:50)

• Massive Attendance and Reach:

  • Over 100,000 people attended in person, with overflow crowds and streets packed.
  • Over 100 million online streams of the event.
  • “The stadium at which it was held was packed, some 65,000 people… another 20,000… in the overflow arena… At least 100,000 people showed up to pay tribute to Charlie’s memory.” (01:06)
  • The memorial took on the character of both a worship service and a political rally.

• Cultural and Religious Significance:

  • The event was a “worship service” and a “call for religious revival.”
  • Shapiro notes a recent uptick in church attendance among young people, attributing it in part to Kirk’s influence.

2. Erica Kirk’s Speech: Forgiveness, Purpose, and Faith (04:46–14:00)

Erica as a Figure of Faith

• Ben Shapiro praises Erica Kirk’s strength and faith, calling her speech “one of the great speeches I’ve ever seen.”
• Erica was named the new head of TPUSA, spotlighting her as the public face of the movement.

Forgiving the Assassin

• Erica Kirk: “My husband, Charlie, he wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life… I forgive him.” (06:25)
• Shapiro distinguishes between Erica’s personal spiritual forgiveness and public policy:
  • “That does not mean on a public policy level that there ought not be consequences for murder… She was doing that in a spiritual sense.” (07:09)

Revival, Not Retaliation

• Erica contrasts the conservative response to Charlie’s murder with violence that erupts after political killings on the left:
  • “After Charlie’s assassination, we didn’t see violence, we didn’t see rioting, we didn’t see revolution. Instead, we saw what my husband always preferred… We saw revival…” (09:28)

Marriage and Personal Reminiscences

• Erica shares deeply personal details about her marriage:
  • “Every Saturday, Charlie wrote one for me. And he never missed a Saturday… Always at the end, he would ask, ‘please let me know how I can better serve you as a husband.’” (11:44)
• On Charlie’s death:
  • “He blinked and saw his savior in paradise.” (13:23)

Shapiro’s Reflections

• “It was heartbreaking and moving and, yes, uplifting… Charlie’s death did not drive mass violence in the streets, far from it. It drove prayer, it drove reflection, it drove a great coming together.” (08:26)

3. The Political and National Ramifications

Donald Trump’s Speech: Blunt and Defiant (17:08–20:12)

• Trump spoke candidly about his inability to forgive his enemies:
  • Donald Trump: “He did not hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them. That’s where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponent and I don’t want the best for them.” (17:08)
• He framed Kirk’s murder as an attack on the nation:
  • “It was an assault on our most sacred liberties… The gun was pointed at him, but the bullet was aimed at all of us.” (18:57)
• Trump and Erica Kirk shared a public moment as they embraced following his speech.

Vice President’s (Kamala Harris) Speech: Courage in Faith (21:07–23:41)

• On courage versus comfort:
  • Kamala Harris: “It is better to face a gunman than live your life afraid to speak the truth… better to be persecuted for your faith than to deny the kingship of Christ…” (21:07)
• Acknowledgment of Kirk’s central role in the current administration:
  • “We know we wouldn't be here without him. Charlie built an organization that reshaped the balance of our politics.” (23:05)

Other Administration and Political Speakers

• Pete Hegseth & Marco Rubio:

  • Emphasize Kirk’s reach and conviction; global condolences received.
  • Marco Rubio: “He mattered. And he will matter now more than he ever has before.” (26:13)

• Stephen Miller (as quoted by Don Jr.):

  • “You thought you could kill Charlie Kirk. You have made him immortal.” (31:50)

• Donald Trump Jr.:

  • Lightens the tone with jokes but remains defiant:
    • “We won't back down. We won't be intimidated… The hundred thousand people here today are a signal to the world. Our message… will not be silenced.” (34:08)
  • On choosing sides:
    • “If you are with the people who shot Charlie Kirk, you're not with us. But if you're against the kinds of people who shoot Charlie Kirk, well, then you belong with us.” (32:49)

4. The Spiritual-Political Divide & Overlap

• Shapiro points out the dual nature of Kirk’s mission—combining faith and politics.
• “Charlie saw politics as a vehicle for his values, which were biblical in orientation. But to pretend that Charlie was an apolitical figure would, of course, be silly.” (30:30)

5. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Description | |-----------|---------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 04:46 | Erica Kirk | “Charlie passionately wanted to reach and save the Lost boys of the West...” | | 06:25 | Erica Kirk | “That young man, that young man on the cross... I forgive him.” | | 09:28 | Erica Kirk | “After Charlie’s assassination, we didn’t see violence... we saw revival…” | | 11:44 | Erica Kirk | “Every Saturday, Charlie wrote one for me... please let me know how I can better serve you as a husband.” | | 17:08 | Donald Trump | “I hate my opponent and I don’t want the best for them. I'm sorry. I am sorry, Erica.” | | 18:57 | Donald Trump | “The bullet was aimed at every one of us... Charlie’s message has not been silenced.” | | 21:07 | Kamala Harris | “It is better to face a gunman than to live your life afraid to speak the truth…” | | 23:05 | Kamala Harris | “We know we wouldn't be here without him. Charlie built an organization that reshaped politics.”| | 25:10 | Marco Rubio | “College campuses, you're going to do that? Why don't you start somewhere easier, like... Cuba?”| | 26:13 | Marco Rubio | “He mattered. And he will matter now more than he ever has before.” | | 31:50 | Donald Trump Jr. (read) | “You thought you could kill Charlie Kirk. You have made him immortal.” | | 34:08 | Donald Trump Jr. | “We won't back down. We won't be intimidated… Our message… will not be silenced.” |

6. Criticism of Left-Wing Responses (Ilhan Omar, et al.) (40:10–42:50)

• Ilhan Omar and others on the left criticized for callous and negative takes:
  • Ilhan Omar: “That should be in the dustpin of history and we should hopefully move on and forget the hate that he spewed every single day.” (40:10)
• Shapiro criticizes the lack of grace in such remarks, contrasting with the right’s response to tragedy.

7. Broader Political and Cultural Issues (43:00–end)

• Shapiro addresses increased political violence, particularly from the left in recent days.
• Comments on global recognition of a Palestinian state and its implications.
• Touches on US policy debates, including TikTok ownership and H1B visa changes.
• Brief discussion of President Trump’s conduct concerning prosecutions and the expectations of law in politics.

Segment Timestamps for Important Sections

• Opening/Context: 00:00–04:46
• Erica Kirk Speech & Reaction: 04:46–14:00
• Trump’s Speech: 17:08–20:12
• Vice President & Administration Speeches: 21:07–26:28
• Political/Spiritual Takeaways: 30:27–34:57
• Crowd/Energy/Notable Moments: 34:57–40:10
• Democratic Response (Omar): 40:10–41:00
• Shapiro on Political Violence/Global News: 41:00–end

Tone and Language

• Shapiro maintains a fast-paced, earnest, and sometimes reverent tone—particularly around moments of faith, sacrifice, and forgiveness.
• Political commentary is sharp, direct, and at times sarcastic (especially when discussing left-wing figures or policies).
• Personal moments (like those from Erica Kirk) are presented with respect, empathy, and admiration.

Takeaways

• The memorial for Charlie Kirk was a massive event that doubled as a spiritual revival and demonstration of conservative, Christian unity.
• Erica Kirk emerged as a powerful new leader with her message of forgiveness and faith, drawing a sharp contrast with political leaders on both sides.
• The fusion of faith and traditional values with political advocacy was a central theme, underscored by the presence and remarks of Trump, administration officials, and conservative thinkers.
• Responses from the political left, especially statements from figures like Ilhan Omar, were roundly criticized as ungracious and out of touch with the prevailing spirit of the memorial.
• The episode concludes with reflections on the fight against political violence and the challenges posed by ideological and policy divides in current American and global affairs.

In Summary

This episode is a tapestry of grief, resolve, spiritual uplift, and fierce political commentary on the legacy of Charlie Kirk and the movement he sparked. Anyone interested in the intersections of faith, conservatism, and American culture will find this episode a compelling account of a moment that sought to be both an inflection point and a rallying cry.