Erika Kirk, widow of slain right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, said she forgives the young man accused of killing her husband, stressing that faith and love are the way to confront tragedy.
اضافة اعلان
During her husband’s memorial service, Erika, speaking through tears, declared her forgiveness: “That man. That young man. I forgive him.” She added, “The answer to hatred is not hatred, but love—and always love.”
She recalled details of her relationship with her husband, the day of his killing, and the shock and pain that followed. She described seeing his body in the hospital: “Even then, I saw the man I loved—that single gray hair on the side of his head, that faint smile on his face. It revealed to me God’s immense mercy in this tragedy.”
Erika said God’s love has continued to appear since her husband’s death, recounting a conversation she had with Second Lady Osha Vance the day after the killing, whose supportive advice helped her cope with the trauma.
She noted that the Vance family helped transport her husband’s casket from Utah to Phoenix aboard the Vice President’s official plane. She added that Osha Vance’s words about overcoming hard times were exactly what she needed to hear.
Erika concluded her remarks: “I will miss him dearly, because our marriage and family were beautiful—and still are.”
Tyler Robinson, 22, faces first-degree aggravated murder charges after fatally shooting Charlie Kirk on September 10. The Utah County District Attorney has announced the state will seek the death penalty.
Meanwhile, the Board of Turning Point USA announced Thursday the unanimous election of Erika Kirk as the organization’s new CEO. Her late husband founded the group in 2012 as a conservative advocacy movement. She pledged to continue his mission, affirming: “The world needs Turning Point USA to guide young people away from the path of misery and sin.”
