Thousands gathered at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, to honor Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old Turning Point USA co-founder who was assassinated earlier this month. The large-scale funeral drew national attention, not only for the tributes to Kirk but also for the presence of high-profile figures including former President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk.
The event, streamed to more than 100,000 viewers online, blended mourning with political symbolism. Kirk’s death, seen by supporters as a chilling act of political violence, has sparked conversations across the country about free speech, security, and civic discourse.
A notable moment came when Trump and Musk were spotted greeting each other despite their recent public falling out. Their handshake and brief exchange quickly became one of the most discussed images from the service.
According to a lip reader, Trump welcomed Musk warmly, saying he wanted to “get back on track.” Musk reportedly nodded in agreement, and the exchange ended with Trump remarking, “I’ve missed you.” The reunion between the two men, both influential voices in politics and technology, fueled speculation about a possible mending of ties.
For many in attendance, Kirk’s funeral was more than a memorial—it was also a rallying point for themes he championed. Free speech, political activism, and the future of the conservative movement were echoed throughout the tributes.
Trump honored Kirk as a patriot and a fighter, while Musk emphasized the dangers of silencing voices in public life. Both men framed Kirk’s legacy as central to ongoing debates about America’s direction.
The handshake between Musk and Trump underscored how Kirk’s death created a rare moment of unity among figures who had recently clashed. Observers noted that such moments often carry outsized symbolic weight.
As the service concluded, the memory of Kirk’s work and the surprising reunion between Trump and Musk left lasting impressions on mourners and viewers alike.