By Sam Dorman
Charlie Kirk’s wife, Erika, addressed the public for the first time on Sept. 12 since her husband’s assassination two days prior.
In a live-streamed message on social media, she described Kirk as a martyr and said the evildoers responsible for his 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,” she said.
“If you thought that my husband’s mission was powerful before, you have no idea,” she added, changing her tone. “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.”
Erika spoke while standing at a podium that read “May Charlie be received into the merciful arms of Jesus, our loving Savior.” Beside her was the desk her husband used to broadcast “The Charlie Kirk Show,” along with a “47” hat and stuffed animal.
“My heart is with every one of my husband’s employees who lost a friend and a mentor,” she said. As she touched his chair, Erika seemed to tear up and talk about how her husband loved what he did.
She said Kirk was “the perfect father” and “perfect husband.” She added that Kirk “wanted everyone to bring Heaven into this Earth through love and joy that comes from raising a family.”
Kirk led the conservative organization Turning Point USA, which has chapters on college campuses. Erika emphasized that her husband’s mission would not end and encouraged people to join the organization.
“I will never let your legacy die,” she said. “I’ll make Turning Point USA the biggest thing this nation has ever seen.”
Erika’s speech came just two days after her husband was shot and killed at an event he hosted on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem, Utah. His death has prompted an outpouring of support and added to mounting concerns about political violence in the United States. Kirk has been remembered on social media for his Christian faith and dedication to civil discussion and debate.
President Donald Trump, who announced Kirk’s death on Sept. 10, said he would posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest civilian honor in the United States. Kirk is survived by his wife and two young children.
“What do you tell a three-year-old?” Erika asked, noting that her daughter had asked where her father was.
During her remarks, Erika thanked both Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, who helped escort Kirk’s casket on Sept. 11. She added that Kirk loved the president and knew that the president loved him too.
On Sept. 12, authorities said 22-year-old Tyler Robinson had been apprehended as the suspected killer. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said during a press conference that authorities received a tip about Robinson confessing or implying that he had committed the assassination.
“Our world is filled with evil, but our God … is so good,” Erika said. Later in her speech, she said that “our battle is not simply a political one. Above all, it is spiritual. … The spiritual warfare is palpable.”
