PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, gave her first public address since her husband was shot and killed during an event at a Utah college campus earlier this week, where she condemned “those responsible” for Charlie’s death and said Charlie was wearing the “glorious crown of a martyr.”
Erika Kirk gave her first public remarks since the assassination of her husband, conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and the arrest of a suspect.
“My husband laid his life down for me, his nation, his children and showed the true and covenantal love,” Erika said.
She described Charlie as family-focused and wanted what was best for the United States.
They were married for four years and have a 3-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son.
Erika had a stern warning for the people she said were behind Charlie’s death.
“The evildoers responsible for my husband’s assassination have no idea what they’ve done. They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith, and God’s merciful love,” she said. “If you thought my husband’s mission was powerful before, you have no idea.”
She added that Charlie’s enemies have ignited a fire for his beliefs. “The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry,” Erika said. “His name won’t be forgotten and his mission won’t end.”
Erika added that the campus tour and his podcasts will continue with his message being sent around the world “louder and more clearly than ever.” “One of his mottos was ‘never surrender’ and I will never surrender,” she said.
The remarks were streamed across Turning Point USA’s streaming pages. Charlie helped found the political organization in 2012 and was the CEO. The headquarters were later moved to Phoenix.
On Thursday, Erika was on board Air Force Two with Charlie’s casket, which went from Utah to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. His body received a police escort to a mortuary in Phoenix. The Kirks called the Valley their home.
Erika has been one of his staunchest supporters for years. Loved ones said her marriage to 31-year-old Charlie Kirk became the center of her life.
Erika Kirk committed herself to homeschooling their kids while supporting him, as she was often by his side as he traveled the country.
Vice President JD Vance, right, Second Lady Usha Vance, center, and Erika Kirk, holding a cross on a chain, deplane Air Force Two, carrying the body of Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA who was shot and killed, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Phoenix.(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Erika’s public address is the first since investigators announced Charlie’s alleged killer, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was in custody.
Authorities said Robinson’s father recognized him from the photos released by the FBI and told him to turn himself in, which he did on Thursday.
Officials said Robinson fired one shot using a high-powered hunting rifle to shoot Charlie, who was influential in rallying young Republican voters, in the neck during Charlie’s “American Comeback Tour” at the Utah Valley University campus in Orem, Utah on Wednesday. Charlie later died at the hospital.
Robinson was on the roof of another building when he pulled the trigger and was caught on camera scaling down the building after the shooting authorities said.
While an official motive wasn’t released, engraved bullet casings may shed some light, including one that read, “Hey, fascist! Catch!” said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox.
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