Charlie Kirk, 31, was remembered as a “giant of his generation” at a memorial in Arizona attended by President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and thousands of mourners. Trump said America is “a nation in shock and mourning,” while Vance added Kirk had “changed the course of history.” Erika Kirk’s tearful call to “choose Christ” and her decision to forgive her husband’s killer drew a standing ovation.

Kirk was shot on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. Authorities identified the weapon as a Mauser Model 98 .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle, “first developed in Germany and widely used during both World Wars.” The gun may predate the 1968 U.S. law requiring serial numbers, making it nearly impossible to trace.

Remarkably, doctors said Kirk’s body may have saved others. TPUSA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet shared, “The bullet ‘absolutely should have gone through… His bone was so healthy and the density so so impressive that he’s like the man of steel.’” The bullet stopped in his neck, preventing further tragedy.

The FBI has arrested Tyler Robinson, allegedly the shooter, though his grandmother insists, “I don’t think he ever shot a gun… There’s just no way he could have been that good of a shot.”

Even in death, Kirk’s body “managed to save the lives of those around him,” Kolvet said.