Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, delivered an emotional address on Friday, thanking first responders for trying to save her husband after he was fatally shot during a speaking event in Utah.
Kirk, 31, was gunned down on Wednesday evening at Utah Valley University in Orem during an outdoor stop on Turning Point USA’s “American Comeback Tour.”
Police named Tyler Robinson as the suspected shooter. He surrendered to authorities on Thursday night and was taken into custody.
Speaking during a livestream from Turning Point USA’s Arizona headquarters, Mrs. Kirk pledged: “My husband’s voice will remain.” The broadcast began with several minutes of silence as cameras focused on the empty chair Kirk once used for podcast tapings.
She quoted scripture and recalled her husband’s devotion to President Donald Trump, Vice-President JD Vance, the United States, and their two young children. At times looking heavenward in silent prayer, she thanked paramedics, her husband’s staff, and the White House.
“Mr. President, my husband loved you. And he knew that you loved him too,” she said through tears, also thanking Vance and his wife Usha for escorting Kirk’s casket back to Arizona.
“But most of all, Charlie loved his children. And he loved me. With all his heart. And he made sure I knew that every day.”
Turning Point USA announced that a memorial service will be held on 21 September at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, which can seat more than 60,000 people.
On Instagram, Mrs. Kirk shared videos of herself at her husband’s casket, including one where she kissed his hand as he lay in a suit and tie. Addressing “evil-doers” in her livestream, she declared: “You have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife, the cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry.
“They should all know this: if you thought that my husband’s mission was powerful before you have no idea, you have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country and this world.”
She vowed that Kirk’s tour of university campuses would continue in the months and years ahead, alongside the continuation of his popular podcast. Still, she admitted she struggled with how to explain his sudden death to their three-year-old daughter and one-year-old son.
“Baby, daddy loves you so much. Don’t you worry. He’s on a work trip with Jesus,” she told her daughter.
Mrs. Kirk, 36, is a businesswoman, former Miss Arizona USA, and founder of a ministry programme. She is also pursuing a doctorate in Bible studies, while running a podcast on Biblical leadership and a faith-based clothing brand.
Though she often shares family moments online, the couple avoided showing their children’s faces.
Charlie Kirk rose to prominence as the founder of Turning Point USA at just 18 years old. A polarising figure in American politics, he was hailed by supporters as a future conservative leader who energised young voters, helping bolster Trump’s Maga coalition in his return to the White House.
He was also a staunch gun rights advocate, opposed abortion, attacked transgender rights, and spread false claims about Covid-19. On campuses, his large rallies often drew both cheering supporters and protesting opponents, with detractors accusing him of rhetoric harmful to minority and LGBT communities.
Kirk was shot while participating in his viral “Prove Me Wrong” debate series, taking a question about gun violence and transgender rights.
Utah Valley University confirmed classes will resume on 17 September with heightened security. “As we heal from this tragic event,” said university president Dr Astrid Tuminez, “we will take necessary precautions.”
President Trump announced he will award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously, calling him “a giant of his generation and a champion of liberty.” He said Mrs. Kirk was “absolutely devastated” and confirmed he will attend the funeral in Arizona next weekend.
Turning Point USA described its late co-founder as both a “martyr” and “pioneer,” writing in a statement: “Charlie was the ideal husband and the perfect father. Above all else, we ask you to pray for the Kirks after the incomprehensible loss they have suffered.”
On Thursday, Vice-President Vance travelled to Utah to collect Kirk’s casket and accompanied the family to Arizona aboard Air Force Two. He and Second Lady Usha Vance joined relatives and friends on the flight home.
