Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika, has given a tearful address in which she thanked first responders for trying to save her husband's life after he was fatally shot on a Utah university campus.
In a livestream, standing beside her husband's empty chair that he used during podcast tapings, she quoted the Bible and spoke about his love for President Donald Trump, Vice-President JD Vance, the United States, and the couple's two children.
Kirk, a right-wing activist, was shot dead on Wednesday during an open-air speaking event in Orem, Utah. His suspected killer, Tyler Robinson, was arrested on Thursday night after surrendering to police.
In her remarks, Mrs. Kirk pledged: My husband's voice will remain.
The broadcast from Turning Point USA's headquarters in Arizona began with several minutes of silence, as the camera framed Charlie Kirk's empty chair.
As his widow started speaking, she looked upwards and whispered a silent prayer. She then thanked first responders who tried to save him, her husband’s staff, and the White House.
Mr President, my husband loved you. And he knew that you loved him too, she said tearfully, also thanking Vance and his wife Usha for accompanying the casket back to Arizona.
Addressing evil-doers, Mrs. Kirk said: You have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife... If you thought that my husband's mission was powerful before you have no idea what you have unleashed across this entire country and this world.
Her husband's tour of US university campuses will continue throughout the fall, and in the years ahead, she said, without offering further details. His podcast will also continue.
Erika Kirk also spoke of their one-year-old son and three-year-old daughter, saying that she was at a loss for how to explain their father's sudden death. Baby, daddy loves you so much. Don't you worry. He's on a work trip with Jesus, she told their daughter.
Erika Kirk is a businesswoman and former Miss Arizona USA winner who met her husband in 2018. They were married less than a year later. Currently, she is studying for a doctorate in Bible Studies and has launched a ministry program while also hosting a podcast focused on Biblical leadership.
Charlie Kirk, 31, was a controversial figure in American political discourse, known for mobilizing young conservatives and advocating for gun rights. His shocking death has intensified discussions surrounding gun violence and political extremism in America.
