It began as a quiet weekend of preparations in Washington, D.C., for a memorial event honoring the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk. But by Saturday morning, the nation’s capital was jolted awake when pedestrians and reporters spotted something extraordinary: a massive, towering banner of Charlie and Erika Kirk hanging outside the Heritage Foundation, emblazoned with words that felt almost biblical in tone.

Fans Stunned, Critics Outraged

Nelson Silent, Speculation Rages

A Clash of Legacies

Social Media on Fire

Possible Explanations

The Bigger Question