Erika Kirk Delivers Emotional Statement After Husband Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
The nation continues to grapple with the shocking death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10. As tributes pour in from across the political spectrum, his wife, Erika Kirk, has now broken her silence in an emotional public statement.
Her words not only honored the man she described as a devoted husband, father, and patriot, but also sent a defiant message to those she believes were responsible for his assassination.
NOTE:VIDEO AT THE END OF ARTICLE.
A Life Cut Short in a Targeted Attack
Charlie Kirk, just 31 years old, was at the height of his career when he was targeted. Known for founding the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, he had built a reputation as one of the most outspoken defenders of former President Donald Trump and his political movement.
On September 10, he was addressing students at Utah Valley University when a gunman fired a single fatal shot. The attack, which officials have described as “targeted,” left thousands of students and supporters in shock. Despite being rushed to a hospital by his security detail, Kirk succumbed to his injuries.
The FBI later confirmed it had recovered the weapon—a bolt-action rifle—believed to have been used in the shooting. Investigators also released surveillance footage of the suspected shooter. Within 48 hours, authorities arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson of Utah, who is now facing charges connected to the killing.
Erika Kirk Steps Forward
On September 12, two days after her husband’s assassination and following the arrest of Robinson, Erika Kirk spoke publicly for the first time. Appearing in a livestream from Turning Point USA’s Phoenix headquarters, she stood at a podium beside the chair her husband had once used for his podcast recordings.
Through tears but with visible determination, she thanked first responders, her husband’s colleagues, and political allies for their support.
“I want to thank the first responders who struggled heroically to save Charles’ life,” she began. “To his staff, to our friends, and to all those who have lifted us in prayer—we feel you. And to the White House, Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, thank you for making sure Charles’ coffin was brought home.”
A Message to Donald Trump
Erika also took time to directly address former President Donald Trump, with whom Charlie had developed a close relationship over the years.
“Mr. President, my husband loved you,” she said. “And he knew that you loved him too. That friendship meant more to him than I can ever describe.”
Trump had earlier called Kirk’s death “a dark moment for America,” praising him as a legendary figure and promising to continue the fight against political violence.
Remembering Charlie as a Husband and Father
While much of the world knew Kirk as a firebrand political commentator, Erika’s statement revealed the man behind the public persona. She painted a picture of a man deeply devoted to his family and his country.
“He loved America, he loved nature, he loved the Chicago Cubs,” she said softly. “But most of all, he loved his children. And he loved me. With all his heart. And he made sure I knew that every single day.”
Struggling with the reality of explaining her husband’s death to their children—a one-year-old son and a three-year-old daughter—Erika recalled a heartbreaking conversation.
“I told my daughter, ‘Baby, daddy loves you so much. Don’t you worry. He’s on a work trip with Jesus.’”
A Defiant Message to “Evil-Doers”
In her statement, Erika also addressed those responsible for the attack, making it clear that the assassination would not silence her husband’s mission.
“To the evil-doers responsible for my husband’s assassination—you have no idea the fire you have ignited within this wife. The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry.”
She insisted that Kirk’s work and message would continue and even grow stronger.
“If you thought his mission was powerful before, you have no idea what you have unleashed across this country and the world.”
Continuing His Legacy
Erika pledged to carry forward her husband’s work, vowing that the projects he had started would not end with his death.
Kirk had recently launched “The American Comeback Tour”, a series of campus events designed to promote patriotism, faith, and conservative values. Erika promised the tour would continue.
“Our campus tour this fall will go on,” she said firmly. “And there will be even more tours in the years to come.”
In addition, she vowed to maintain his podcast and radio show, ensuring that his voice would not fade from the national conversation.
“In a world filled with chaos, doubt, and uncertainty, my husband’s voice will remain. It will ring out louder and more clearly than ever, and his wisdom will endure.”
Tributes and Public Response
Since Kirk’s assassination, tributes have poured in from across the political landscape. Many leaders, particularly within conservative circles, described him as a rising figure whose life was tragically cut short.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox called Kirk’s death a reminder of the need for civil dialogue and condemned political violence, while Trump reiterated his call for the death penalty for the shooter if found guilty.
Even critics of Kirk’s politics expressed condolences for his wife and children, emphasizing the human cost of such a violent act.
Erika Kirk’s Final Words
Erika concluded her statement with a personal vow, speaking directly to her late husband:
“I will never let your legacy die. I will keep your mission alive. I will raise our children to know who you were and what you stood for. And I will make sure the world never forgets the love you had for America and the love you had for us.”
Her closing words were delivered with tears, but also with a strength that resonated with many watching.
Looking Ahead
The arrest of Tyler Robinson has provided authorities with a potential path to justice, but questions remain about the motive and planning behind the attack. Investigators continue to examine evidence, including engraved messages found on the bullets allegedly used in the assassination.
Meanwhile, Erika Kirk’s emotional statement has galvanized supporters of her husband, with many pledging to support her in carrying forward his mission.
For now, the Kirk family faces the painful task of grieving a beloved husband and father while navigating a very public tragedy.
Watch Erika Kirk’s Full Video Statement
At the end of her speech, Erika made it clear she would continue fighting for the causes her husband championed. For those wishing to hear her full remarks, the complete video statement is available at the end of this article.
Adrian Hawthorne is a celebrated author and dedicated archivist who finds inspiration in the hidden stories of the past. Educated at Oxford, he now works at the National Archives, where preserving history fuels his evocative writing. Balancing archival precision with creative storytelling, Adrian founded the Hawthorne Institute of Literary Arts to mentor emerging writers and honor the timeless art of narrative.