Erika Kirk, widow of slain Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, mourned her husband at a news conference Friday night but vowed to keep his movement of spreading the message of Christianity and conservative values alive regardless his assassination.
In an emotional delivery, Erika shared her husband’s love of family and God but emphasized his death would only strengthen the movement’s resolve.
“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 of God’s merciful love,” Erika said. “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 have just unleashed across this entire country and this world. You have no idea.”
Erika then mentioned the political battle ahead.
“The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battlecry,” she said. “To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die. It won’t. I refuse to let that happen.”
Kirk, an ardent supporter of President Donald Trump, was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon during an event at Utah Valley University attended by about 3,000 people, including Erika and their two young children.
Authorities announced Friday morning they had the suspect in the assassination in custody. The suspect, Tyler Robinson, 22, of Utah, told family members he thought Kirk was “full of hate and spreading hate,” and that he knew Kirk was speaking at Utah Valley.
Authorities also found the rifle they believe was used in the shooting. Bullets were found inside the rifle, one of which was engraved with the message, “Hey fascist! Catch!” authorities said.
Left wing activists and elected officials have often referred to Trump and his supporters as fascists.
Erika, often shedding tears at the memory of her husband, thanked the first responders who tried to save her husband’s life and prevented any other deaths from occurring. She thanked the Turning Point USA staff and friends who supported his work, as well as Vice President JD Vance, a close friend, and President Donald Trump, who she said her husband loved.
“My heart is with every one of my husband’s employees who lost a friend and a mentor,” she said. “He loved what he did,” referring to the work he did with Turning Point USA, a nonprofit that recruited high school and college students to learn about and spread conservative values.
Erika also talked about Charlie’s faith and devotion to family
“Two days ago, my husband Charlie went to see the face of his savior and his God,” she said, noting that Charlie wanted to be remembered for his faith. “Now and for all eternity, he will stand at his savior’s side, wearing the glorious crown of a martyr.”
“But most of all, Charlie loved his children, and he loved me, with all of his heart,” she said.
Erika said her husband’s top priotity was to revive the American family.
“My husband laid down his life for me, for our nation, for our children,” she said.
“I will never ever have the words to describe the loss I feel in my heart. I honestly have no idea what any of this means. I know God does but I don’t. But Charlie, baby, I know you do too.”
