Erika Kirk, the wife of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, has spoken publicly for the first time since her husband’s tragic de:ath.
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on Wednesday, September 10, while speaking at Utah Valley University during The American Comeback Tour. Authorities say the suspected gunman, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, allegedly opened fire from the roof of a nearby student services building, striking Kirk while he was addressing the crowd.
Erika Kirk Speaks Out After Husband’s De:ath
At a press conference on Friday, September 12, Erika, 36, expressed her gratitude to local, state, and federal law enforcement, as well as close family friends including Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha. She also thanked former President Donald Trump for his support and friendship with Charlie.
“Charlie always said that when he was gone, he wanted to be remembered for his courage and for his faith,” Erika said. “Most of all, Charlie loved his children, and he loved me with all of his heart. My husband laid down his life for me, for our nation, for our children.”
She added that Charlie’s American Comeback Tour will continue in the fall, fulfilling his mission of strengthening the American family.
Telling Their 3-Year-Old Daughter About Charlie’s De:ath
Erika also shared the painful moment when she had to explain Charlie’s death to their daughter, who had just turned three.
“When she asked, ‘Where’s Daddy?’ I told her, ‘Baby, daddy loves you so much. Don’t worry. He’s on a work trip with Jesus so he can afford your blueberry budget,’” Erika revealed.
In her closing remarks, Erika thanked Charlie’s supporters: “Thank you to everyone who loved my husband, who wrote him emails every single day during his radio show. He read every one of them. God bless you all, and God bless America.”
The Kirk Family’s Journey
Charlie and Erika met in 2018, got engaged in December 2020, and married in May 2021. They welcomed a daughter in August 2022 and a son in May 2024. Charlie’s death came just weeks after celebrating their daughter’s third birthday.
Matt Lamb, a former Turning Point USA official, remembered Kirk as a devoted husband and father: “He loved his wife and loved his kids. Certainly, his legacy goes beyond politics — it lives on through Erika and their two children.”
Suspect Facing Possible De:ath Penalty
The alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson, faces charges including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and obstruction of justice. Under Utah law, prosecutors may pursue the death penalty if criteria for aggravated murder are met.
According to court documents, Robinson’s actions put “many around him at grave risk of death.” He is expected to be formally charged on Tuesday, September 16, and could face execution if convicted.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed Robinson was identified after family members reported that he had confessed to or implied his involvement. Robinson allegedly criticized Kirk’s visit during a family dinner, claiming the commentator was “full of hate and spreading hate.”