Maga hats and a sea of red, white and blue – this feels more like a political rally than a memorialpublished at 19:31 BST
19:31 BST
Sarah Smith
North America editor, at the memorial
Image source, Reuters
Tens of thousands of people have been queuing for hours outside State Farm Stadium in Phoenix where the atmosphere is much more akin to a political rally than a memorial service – with many red white and blue outfits accessorised with Make America Great Again hats.
It is a mark of Kirk’s impact and influence that his supporters have travelled from right across America, as well as internationally, to honour the conservative activist and influencer.
President Trump will be the headline speaker, along with Kirk’s widow Erika, Vice-President JD Vance and several other cabinet members.
Speaking to reporters on his way to Arizona, Trump said it was going to be a tough day celebrating someone he called a great man.
Kirk’s murder has set off a furious debate about free speech in America. He was a passionate advocate of freedom of expression, yet there has been a backlash against those speaking out against Kirk and his views.
The Trump administration is seeking a crackdown on what it calls the “radical left”, which in turn has prompted accusations of government overreach and claims Kirk’s death is being used as a pretext to intrude on civil liberties.
Teachers and civil servants have been sacked for things they have said. And one famous TV talk show host – Jimmy Kimmel – was taken off air by his network over his comments about Kirk’s death.