Robert F. Kennedy Jr. honored the late conservative commentator Charlie Kirk as his “soulmate” during a memorial vigil at the Kennedy Center.

In a deeply emotional ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, September 14, 2025,

Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. paid tribute to Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point Action, who was tragically shot and killed on September 10, 2025, while speaking at an engagement in Utah.

The memorial, which drew hundreds of attendees, including prominent political and civic figures, highlighted the extraordinary bond between Kirk and Kennedy, with the latter describing Kirk as both his “spiritual brother” and “soulmate.”

Kennedy emphasized Kirk’s role in his own political journey, crediting him as the “primary architect” of his unification with President Donald Trump, a revelation that sent waves through both conservative and centrist political circles.

During his address, Kennedy recounted a personal story about his 17-year-old niece preparing for college in Europe, who told her mother that she wanted “to live like Charlie Kirk,” illustrating the profound impact Kirk had on younger generations.

Kennedy reflected on his initial meeting with Kirk, describing the immediate connection they felt despite early trepidation.

“We were spiritual brothers, and we were friends,” Kennedy told the audience, emphasizing that Kirk’s influence extended beyond politics to matters of personal conviction and faith.

Kennedy detailed the serious conversations he had with Kirk regarding the dangers of public life and the risks both faced while challenging entrenched political interests.

Kirk had asked Kennedy if he feared death, to which Kennedy responded that “there’s a lot worse things than dying,” underscoring their shared belief that defending constitutional rights and ensuring freedom for future generations was paramount.

Kennedy remarked, “Sometimes our only consolation is that we can die with our boots on. We can die fighting for these things,” illustrating the depth of their mutual commitment to political activism and moral principles.

The Secretary of Health and Human Services also highlighted Kirk’s steadfast dedication to free speech, noting that Kirk believed that open, respectful dialogue was essential to healing a divided nation.

“He thought conversation was the only way we were going to heal our country, that we had to learn to talk to each other without vitriol, without poison, without anger,” Kennedy said.

He stressed that Kirk’s vision of civil discourse extended beyond partisan politics, encouraging Americans to engage with opposing viewpoints constructively, rather than succumbing to the polarization fueled by modern algorithms and social media platforms.

Throughout the vigil, Kennedy drew upon personal lessons from his own family, sharing insights he had received from his mother, Ethel Kennedy, regarding the loss of his brother David in 1984.

He explained that grief leaves a permanent void but emphasized the responsibility of those left behind to grow “bigger around the hole,” integrating the virtues and character traits of the deceased into their own lives.

Kennedy framed Kirk’s legacy in these terms, suggesting that the young conservative leader’s ideals and example would continue to shape future generations, granting him a form of immortality through the actions and values of those he inspired.

Kennedy concluded his remarks by urging attendees to honor Kirk’s sacrifice and continue the work he had championed throughout his life. “Charlie gave his life so that the rest of us would not have to suffer those fates worse than death.

Now it’s our job. He’s no longer \[here] to lead us, to rush in and fill the breach and win this battle for our country, for God and for our families,” Kennedy said, receiving sustained applause from a moved audience.

The vigil also underscored the broader implications of Kirk’s death on American political discourse.

As a prominent figure in the conservative movement, Kirk’s work with Turning Point Action had influenced political activism among young Americans, particularly in areas of civic engagement and free speech advocacy.

Kennedy’s tribute not only celebrated Kirk’s personal qualities and political achievements but also highlighted the risks faced by public figures who operate under intense scrutiny and in polarized environments.

Attendees included a mix of political allies, family friends, and young activists who looked to Kirk as a mentor and role model.

The ceremony featured prayers, reflections, and testimonials that emphasized Kirk’s commitment to dialogue, his moral convictions, and his ability to inspire others to engage in meaningful political and social action.

Kennedy’s speech, delivered with solemnity and heartfelt passion, provided both a personal perspective and a broader commentary on the responsibilities of public service and civic engagement.

Kirk’s funeral is scheduled for September 21, 2025, and President Donald Trump is expected to attend, reflecting the significance of Kirk’s influence within conservative circles and the national political landscape.

In the days following the shooting, numerous tributes and memorials have emerged across the country, illustrating the depth of Kirk’s impact on young conservatives, public discourse, and advocacy for civic participation.

As the nation continues to process the tragic loss of Charlie Kirk, Kennedy’s remarks at the Kennedy Center serve as a reminder of the personal bonds, political alliances, and ideological commitments that define contemporary American politics.

His characterization of Kirk as both a soulmate and a guiding force in his own political unification with President Trump provides insight into the unique and often personal nature of political alliances, highlighting how individual relationships can shape national events and movements.

The ceremony at the Kennedy Center further emphasizes the enduring influence of public figures who dedicate their lives to causes larger than themselves, as well as the responsibilities of those who survive them to carry forward their legacies.

Kennedy’s call for continued engagement, respect for free speech, and commitment to civil discourse underscores the ongoing challenges facing American democracy and the potential for leaders to inspire meaningful change even in the wake of tragedy.

In summary, the vigil at the Kennedy Center for Charlie Kirk, highlighted by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s deeply personal tribute, served as both a commemoration of a young conservative leader’s life and a call to action for those who remain.

Kennedy’s words stressed the importance of dialogue, principled action, and preserving the legacy of those who have made profound contributions to public life, ensuring that Kirk’s impact will resonate long after his untimely death.