Photo: Getty Images
Vice President JD Vance claimed that his longtime friend, conservative political activist Charlie Kirk, was "murdered for speaking the truth," while speaking at his memorial service at State Farm Stadium on Sunday (September 21).
"He was murdered for speaking the truth," Vance said, claiming his "friend" wouldn't let "evil" hinder his beliefs.
"It is better to face a gunman than live your life afraid to face the truth," he added.
Vance had paid tribute to Kirk publicly following his murder, crediting the conservative political activist for introducing him to President Donald Trump and speaking in favor of him as a potential running mate, as well as hosting an edition of The Charlie Kirk Show on Monday (September 15).
"I love you, my friend, we've got it from here," Vance said.
Kirk's service also includes speeches from his widow, Erika, and Trump, as well as several other notable Republican politicians. The ceremony was reported to have turned away some registered attendees after reaching maximum capacity of 73,000. Additional attendees were reportedly directed to a nearby overflow arena.
Turning Point USA, the conservative organization co-founded by Kirk, said that more than 200,000 people registered to attend the ceremony. Kirk was fatally shot in the neck during what was scheduled to be the first stop on his 'American Comeback Tour' on September 10.
The suspected shooter, Tyler Robinson, was announced to have been in custody and publicly identified by police last Friday (September 12).
Kirk founded Turning Point USA at the age of 18 along with tea party activist William Montgomery in 2012. The political pundit gained notoriety debating liberal students, winning over conservative financiers.
Kirk enthusiastically supported President Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign and served as a personal aide to his son, Donald Trump Jr., during the campaign, while also gaining a regular presence on cable news.