Hundreds gathered on Sunday at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., to mourn and celebrate the life of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley College last week. The somber event brought together political figures, family, friends, and supporters of Kirk, whose unexpected death has sent shockwaves through the conservative movement.
Though former President Donald Trump did not attend the vigil, he is expected to appear at a larger memorial scheduled for September 21 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. In Trump’s absence, a prominent figure took center stage in D.C.: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now serving as Secretary of Health and Human Services. His tribute to Kirk became the most talked-about moment of the evening—not for its praise, but for a glaring timeline error that quickly went viral online.
In an emotional speech, Kennedy lauded Kirk for “inspiring millions of kids to think for themselves” and shared a personal story about their supposed first meeting. “I met Charlie in July of 2001 during a podcast taping,” Kennedy said. “We connected immediately, and by the end of it, we became soulmates.”
However, observers quickly pointed out the timeline didn’t make sense. Charlie Kirk, born in 1993, would have been just eight years old in 2001. Moreover, his podcast The Charlie Kirk Show didn’t launch until nearly two decades later, in 2020. The apparent error sparked a wave of criticism and ridicule across social media platforms.
Many online commentators accused Kennedy of fabricating the story for dramatic effect, while others mocked the remark as an example of a politician speaking without fact-checking. Memes and jokes flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter), with some users sarcastically referencing imaginary childhood podcast interviews.
However, Kennedy’s supporters quickly came to his defense, arguing that the mistake was likely a simple misspeak. “It’s clear he meant to say 2021,” one supporter wrote. “People are using a minor slip to distract from the real point—honoring a man who made a difference.”
Others noted that the speech had been delivered in a highly emotional context, and it’s not uncommon for speakers to stumble in such moments. Nonetheless, the incident has added a layer of controversy to an already charged political atmosphere.
Despite the debate surrounding Kennedy’s remarks, the focus for many remained on remembering Kirk’s influence. Known for founding Turning Point USA and becoming a key figure in conservative youth activism, Kirk built a devoted following. His death has been described by colleagues as a “devastating blow” to the movement.
The suspect in the shooting, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, surrendered after a 33-hour manhunt and is currently in custody. Authorities have not yet released a motive.
As tributes pour in from across the country, many await the Arizona memorial later this month, where more high-profile figures—including Trump—are expected to speak. While Kennedy’s speech may continue to draw attention, for Kirk’s supporters, the priority remains celebrating a legacy they believe will outlive the controversy.
