In brief
Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, delivered a touching address expressing her love and commitment to keeping his legacy alive following his tragic shooting at a university event. Erika thanked first responders, acknowledged her husband's dedication to family and politics, and addressed those she described as 'evil-doers,' promising a continued fight for their beliefs and values. The incident has sparked discussions about political violence and its implications on America's current political landscape.
Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika, has given a tearful address in which she thanked first responders for trying to save her husband's life after he was fatally shot on a Utah university campus.
In a livestream, standing beside her husband's empty chair that he used during podcast tapings, she quoted the Bible and spoke about his love for President Donald Trump, Vice-President JD Vance, the United States, and the couple's two children.
Kirk, a right-wing activist, was shot dead on Wednesday during an open-air speaking event in Orem, Utah. His suspected killer, Tyler Robinson, was arrested on Thursday night after surrendering to police.
In her remarks, Mrs. Kirk pledged: My husband's voice will remain.
The broadcast from Turning Point USA's headquarters in Arizona began with several minutes of silence, as the camera framed Charlie Kirk's empty chair.
As his widow started speaking, she looked upwards and whispered a silent prayer.
She then thanked first responders who tried to save him, her husband's staff, and the White House.
Mr President, my husband loved you. And he knew that you loved him too, she said tearfully, also thanking Vance and his wife Usha for accompanying the casket back to Arizona.
Addressing evil-doers, Mrs. Kirk said: 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.
Her husband's tour of US university campuses will continue throughout the fall, and in the years ahead, she said, without offering further details. His podcast will also continue.
Erika Kirk also spoke of their one-year-old son and three-year-old daughter, saying that she was at a loss for how to explain their father's sudden death.
Baby, daddy loves you so much. Don't you worry. He's on a work trip with Jesus, she told their daughter.
Charlie Kirk, 31, has been hailed by many as the future of American conservatism with a knack for energizing young conservatives. By mobilizing the youth vote, he was an instrumental organizer in Donald Trump's MAGA coalition.
Trump has announced that he will award Kirk a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom - the highest civilian honor a president can bestow - describing his friend and ally as a giant of his generation and a champion of liberty.
