Tucsonans at Charlie Kirk Memorial in Glendale | News

GLENDALE, Ariz. (KVOA) – Thousands are returning home after attending the Memorial Service for Charlie Kirk. Many in the audience, emphasizing the importance unity and a hope for healing.

The gathering began almost like a church service. Tens of thousands filled the State Farm Stadium and the Desert Diamond Arena, along with a plaza outside, to honor Kirk’s influence.

Jennifer Rolle from Tucson, who attended with her eight-year-old son Caleb, expressed her hopes for the future.

“Clearly we need healing since this many people are showing up for one man – we need healing,” Rolle said.

Rolle hopes the dialogue Kirk initiated will continue.

“He opened up that dialogue for other people that didn’t necessarily think the same way – he got people talking – which is what I want him to do,” said Rolle.

Rolle believes in looking forward and starting to unify, beginning with this event.

“We’ve been divided for so many years – we need to come together that’s the most important message behind today,” Rolle said.

“Just because someone passed away doesn’t mean the conversation ends – it continues and it brings us together and we can have that open dialogue,” Rolle added.

Worship played a significant role in the ceremony, with many attendees emphasizing its importance in moving forward both locally and nationally.

Southern Arizona Republican Congressman Juan Ciscomani was in the audience. In a statement to KVOA, he said, in part “We can’t overstate how important Charlie was—and continues to be—not only to those who agreed with him, but also to many who didn’t. They saw in him a beacon of dialogue, someone who could promote ideas without tearing others down, and who valued giving people a platform simply for the sake of honest discussion,”