Erika Kirk waves to supporters who gathered to watch as a motorcade escorted the body of Charlie Kirk to Hansen Mortuary Chapel in Phoenix on Sept. 11, 2025. © Diannie Chavez/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
(New York, NY) – The entire nation’s heart has been broken in two by the killing of Charlie Kirk. And it’s exposed a larger-than-imagined group of individuals who are so craven, crass, heartless, and evil they are actually celebrating his assassination. Yet at the same time, many have come together in an attempt to support Kirk’s family, his friends, and to lift up his legacy.
So it was on Friday night in Phoenix, Arizona, where Kirk’s widow — Erika Kirk — stepped to a podium that had been set up in her late husband’s radio studio. She steadied herself, holding a crucifix and small handkerchief, showing the kind of courage and toughness so embodied by Charlie Kirk — the loving husband she must now raise two children without.
Erika Kirk first thanked the first responders and trauma surgeons who tried in vain to save her husband’s life. She thanked the cops and federal agents who helped track down Kirk’s alleged killer. She thanked Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance — who both escorted Kirk’s body back to Phoenix onboard Air Force 2. Calling them “incredible” she emotionally noted how much support she’s been feeling and receiving in recent days.
And she noted the special relationship Kirk enjoyed with President Trump — noting the closeness and support each men provided to one another. Charlie has gone to “meet the face of his savior,” Kirk said — adding he will forever wear the glorious crown of a martyr.
Holding back tears throughout her roughly 15 minute statement, Kirk explained her husband’s love of the Chicago Cubs, the Oregon Ducks football team — and his family. Survived by a three-year-old daughter and one-year-old son, Erika Kirk noted how her husband put family and faith above all else. She explained his dedication to spreading the gospel — and to convincing young Americans to have a family.
Calling him the “perfect father and husband,” Kirk noted Charlie had openly mused that if he ever ran for office — something many people assumed would happen one day — family would be his priority. Apparently he planned to make “restoring the American family,” a focus of any future campaign.
In a testament to the strength of her faith, Erika noted that while she may not know what is to come — and how this all fits in with the Lord’s plans — God does, and Charlie does. She defiantly noted that the “evil-doers” who killed Charlie have “no idea what they’ve done.” Kirk vowed to keep Turning Point USA’s mission alive and thriving — saying if you thought her husband’s mission was powerful previously, you haven’t seen anything yet.
Kirk said her husband’s radio show and podcast will endure. She vowed to keep hosting events on college campuses — despite her husband’s murder coming during a Q&A session at Utah Valley University.
Sharing that her husband’s favorite word was “earn,” Erika promised to embrace that philosophy. She also encouraged young Americans everywhere to get involved with Turning Point USA — who her husband co-founded — and to join a church if they have not already.
Erika Kirk delivered rousing comments toward the end of her speech, overcoming her grief and displaying remarkable strength. “The cries of this widow will be heard as battle cries” across the nation, Kirk said. She promised that her husband’s movement will become the biggest thing the nation has ever seen.
Finally, in an especially heartbreaking moment that also included a touch of levity, Kirk shared a story of her three-year-old daughter running into her arms and asking “where’s Daddy?” Such an impossible question has no acceptable answer for a toddler. But Kirk said that dad was on a business trip with Jesus. And that he loves his daughter immensely. Everyone was at least able to eek out a wry smile when Kirk noted that business trip was necessary — to keep up with the little girl’s “blueberry budget.”
So you cry, and try to laugh, and pray — as hard as you possibly can.
The following video of Mrs. Erika Kirk’s comments is shared via Turning Point USA.
