Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, addresses attendees at the memorial held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
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Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
Erika Kirk, the widow of prominent conservative figure Charlie Kirk, publicly expressed forgiveness toward the individual accused of her husband’s death.
With tears in her eyes, she declared, “I forgive that young man,” prompting a wave of applause from the crowd gathered at the memorial service held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
She explained, “My forgiveness follows the example set by Christ and reflects what Charlie himself would have done. Hatred cannot be overcome by more hatred. The gospel teaches us that love-especially love for our adversaries and those who wrong us-is the true response.”
Authorities recently charged 22-year-old Tyler Robinson with murder after he allegedly confessed to shooting Charlie Kirk during a debate at Utah Valley University. Robinson reportedly told a roommate via text, “I had enough of his hatred.”
Erika, 36, and mother to two children, recounted the harrowing moment she first saw her husband’s body at a Utah hospital, hours after he was fatally shot in the neck.
“Seeing the wound that took his life was devastating. I experienced shock, horror, and a depth of grief I never imagined possible,” she shared. “Yet, even in death, I recognized the man I loved-the single gray hair on his head I never mentioned to him, and the faint smile on his lips. That small smile was a sign of God’s mercy, assuring me that Charlie did not suffer.”
Addressing the thousands gathered, Erika spoke of the solace she found through prayer and the positive reactions to her husband’s passing.
“Instead of violence or unrest, we witnessed something Charlie always hoped for: a spiritual awakening. People opened their Bibles after years of neglect,” she said, encouraging everyone to keep that momentum alive.
“Keep praying, keep reading scripture, attend church regularly, and break free from the distractions and chains of this world,” she urged.
Her heartfelt speech stood in stark contrast to remarks made by Vice President Vance and President Trump, who both framed the situation with harsher tones. Vice President Vance warned that “evil remains present among us” and cautioned against dismissing it with superficial unity. President Trump openly stated, “I harbor hatred for my opponents and do not wish them well.”
Focus on Family Values
Erika emphasized that one of Charlie’s deepest passions was the restoration of the American family unit.
“Whenever he spoke to young audiences, he eagerly shared God’s design for marriage, believing that embracing it would bring profound blessings to every aspect of their lives, just as it did for us,” she said.
She called on the men present to emulate her husband’s example of Christian leadership within marriage-being loving, protective, and spiritually guiding their wives and children.
“Be leaders worthy of respect. Your wife is not a subordinate or an employee; she is your partner and helper. You are united, not adversaries, working together to honor God,” she urged.
Erika likened Charlie to a martyr who fulfilled God’s purpose, stating that although his life was cut short, “he was prepared to face death and left this world without regrets because he gave his all every single day.”
“While his mission remains unfinished, his commitment was complete,” she concluded.
Recently, Erika Kirk was appointed CEO of Turning Point USA, the conservative youth organization founded by her late husband.
