Erika Kirk, widow of slain Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, mourned her husband at a news conference Friday night but vowed to keep his movement of spreading the message of Christianity and conservative values alive regardless his assassination.
In an emotional delivery, Erika shared her husband’s love of family and God but emphasized his death would only strengthen the movement’s resolve.
— Turning Point USA (@TPUSA) September 13, 2025
“The evildoers responsible for my husband’s assassination have no idea what they have done. They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith and of God’s merciful love,” Erika said. “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 have just unleashed across this entire country and this world. You have no idea. … The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry. To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die. It won’t. I refuse to let that happen.”
Kirk was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon during an event at Utah Valley University attended by about 3,000 people, including Erika and their two young children.
Authorities announced Friday morning they had the suspect in the assassination in custody.
Erika, often shedding tears at the memory of her husband, thanked the first responders who tried to save her husband’s life and prevented any other deaths from occurring. She thanked the Turning Point USA staff and friends who supported his work, as well as Vice President JD Vance, a close friend, and President Donald Trump, who she said her husband loved.
“My heart is with every one of my husband’s employees who lost a friend and a mentor,” she said. “He loved what he did,” referring to the work he did with Turning Point USA, a nonprofit that recruited high school and college students to learn about and spread conservative values.
Erika also talked about Charlie’s faith and devotion to family
“Two days ago, my husband Charlie went to see the face of his savior and his God,” she said, noting that Charlie wanted to be remembered for his faith. “Now and for all eternity, he will stand at his savior’s side, wearing the glorious crown of a martyr.”
“But most of all, Charlie loved his children, and he loved me, with all of his heart,” she said.
Erika said her husband’s top priority was to revive the American family.
“My husband laid down his life for me, for our nation, for our children,” she said.
“I will never ever have the words to describe the loss I feel in my heart. I honestly have no idea what any of this means. I know God does but I don’t. But Charlie, baby, I know you do too.”
Dan McCaleb is the executive editor of The Center Square. He welcomes your comments. Contact Dan at dmccaleb@thecentersquare.com.
Make no mistake, democrats are fully supportive of political assassinations. Here’s what the mayor of Tucson had to say.
“I think it is not important what this individual human being believed or not. Gun violence is wrong.”
vowed to keep his movement of spreading the message of Christianity and conservative values alive regardless his assassination.
this event did not ‘end the movement of this mission’ it empowered it. PRAISE BE TO THE LORD! JESUS CHRIST! “The Almighty” “On Earth As it is in the Heavens” coming to a location near you
Had Charlie decided to run for Governor I would have voted for him. I found his debates interesting and loved how he was converting the college youth to conservatism. Rest in Peace Charlie. Erika my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
What utter nonsense about this right wing nut job
You are a horrible human being, a liberal, mentally ill.
The only nut jobs are those on the left who’s intolerance and vitriol and bigotry makes them feel superior even tho they’re proven wrong every time. God bless Charlie Kirk!!
I doubt you know more about Charlie than what you’ve heard of him characterized by others. I read the criticism, but I have the advantage of actually having watched many of his encounters with those opposed to him, so I recognize the propaganda. Nevertheless, here are just a few “left-wing nut jobs” in my view: Jasmine Crockett, Kris Mayes, Ruben Gallego, Yassamin Ansari, Chuck (reap the whirlwind) Schumer, E.J. Montini, AOC, the editorial staff of the failing Arizona Republic and most of Hollywood. Let me know if you would like more.
If intense love of your Creator, Savior, wife, children, country, fellow Americans and enough love and courage to tell your beloved fellow Americans the truth despite the hate you receive in return makes you a right wing nut job, I will strive to be a better right wing nut job every day.
may the same nonsense befall you? Do you read or think what your saying? Good thing ‘your opinion is yours to have’ in America – in England? France? if they were not in agreement with you – a police offer could show up at your door?