SALT LAKE CITY — Erika Kirk delivered a heart-wrenching speech on Friday night, marking her first public appearance since the tragic death of her husband, Charlie Kirk. He was shot in the neck and killed on Wednesday while addressing students at Utah Valley University. Charlie Kirk was widely recognized as a prominent conservative activist and the founder of Turning Point USA.
In her emotional address, Erika reflected on her husband's deep faith, stating, “Two days ago, my husband, Charlie, went to see the face of his Savior and his God.” She emphasized that Charlie always wished to be remembered for his courage and faith. “He always asked me, ‘How can I serve you better? How can I be a better husband? How can I be a better father?’ Such a good man. He still is a good man,” Erika shared, highlighting his unwavering devotion to family.
Erika Kirk spoke passionately about Charlie's love for his children, his country, and his favorite sports teams, including the Chicago Cubs and the Oregon Ducks. She praised him as “the perfect father” and “the perfect husband,” underscoring his commitment to both family and his organization, Turning Point USA. She vowed that the movement her husband built “will never die.”
“No one will ever forget my husband's name, and I will make sure of it. It will become stronger, bolder, louder, and greater than ever,” Erika declared, pledging that the Turning Point USA-hosted American Comeback Tour will proceed this fall, along with future tours. Charlie was scheduled to return to Utah on September 30 for another tour stop at Utah State University.
In her address, Erika Kirk reached out to young people, urging them to engage actively with their local Turning Point USA chapters. “To all of the young people who felt inspired by my husband's faith and hard work, you know what Charlie would want you to do. Join it. Stay involved. He wants you to make a difference,” she encouraged, emphasizing the importance of youth involvement in the movement.
On the same day, Utah Governor Spencer Cox announced the arrest of the suspect accused of killing Charlie Kirk. The 22-year-old suspect, Tyler James Robinson from Washington County, was apprehended in southern Utah after law enforcement received tips from family members and friends. Erika expressed her gratitude to the local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies for their relentless efforts in capturing her husband’s assassin.
“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 God's merciful love,” Erika stated passionately, asserting that this tragedy would only amplify the mission Charlie dedicated his life to. “If you thought that my husband's mission was powerful before, you have no idea what you have just unleashed across this entire country and this world,” she added.
Beyond the political realm, Erika Kirk extended her message to encourage individuals to join a Bible-believing church. “Our battle is not simply a political one. Above all, it is spiritual... the spiritual warfare is palpable,” she explained. She expressed her profound sense of loss, stating, “I will never, ever have the words to describe the loss that I feel in my heart.”
In closing, Erika reiterated her belief in the resilience of the movement, affirming, “The movement's not going anywhere, and it will only grow stronger when you join it.” She urged everyone to carry forward Charlie Kirk’s legacy of faith and activism, encouraging them to pursue a path of purpose and community involvement.
