The widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Erika Kirk, has broken her silence, delivering an emotional tribute to her late husband in her first public remarks since his death. Speaking from Turning Point USA‘s headquarters on Friday (September 12, 2025), she vowed that the movement he built will not only continue but will grow “stronger, bolder, louder, and greater than ever.”
Charlie Kirk, co-founder of the youth organization Turning Point USA, was fatally shot at an event at Utah Valley University. Authorities have since arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in connection with the crime.
“The evildoers responsible for my husband’s assassination have no idea what they have done,” she said. “They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith, and of God’s merciful love. But 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. You have no idea. You have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife, the cries of this window will echo around the world like a battle cry.”
First of all, one person killed her husband. She knows what she’s doing with this “they” language, and doing so, she is no better of a person than her husband was.
Mrs. Kirk’s address was a blend of personal grief and a defiant promise to carry on her husband’s work. She spoke of her husband as a man who “loved life,” his country, and his family. “Charlie loved his children, and he loved me with all of his heart, and I knew that every day,” she said, fighting back tears. She also shared a difficult conversation with her three-year-old daughter, explaining that “daddy’s on a work trip with Jesus.”
The address also served as a call to action. Erika Kirk encouraged young people to join the movement, urging them to start or join Turning Point USA chapters at their schools. She stated that the organization’s fall campus tour will proceed as planned, a testament to her determination to uphold her husband’s legacy.
Erika Kirk also extended her gratitude to President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, noting their friendship with her husband. “Mister President, my husband loved you and he knew that you loved him, too,” she stated.
Charlie may have loved Trump, but…
Q: My condolences on the loss of your friend Charlie Kirk. How are you holding up?
TRUMP: I think very good. And by the way, right there you see all the trucks. They just started construction of the new ballroom for the White House, which is something they've been trying to get for about 150 years.
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— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) September 12, 2025 at 10:40 AMIn her concluding remarks, Mrs. Kirk spoke directly to her late husband, promising, “I will never let your legacy die. I’ll make TPUSA the biggest thing this nation has ever seen.” Her words served as a poignant reminder of her personal loss, while simultaneously solidifying her commitment to a public mission.
