Erika Kirk Forgives Husband’s Murderer
Erika Kirk revealed why she has forgiven the man who killed her husband, Charlie Kirk.
On September 10, the 31-year-old conservative commentator was shot while attending an event at Utah Valley University as part of his Turning Point USA comeback tour. His security team rushed him to the hospital, but he tragically died.
Two days later, authorities arrested the suspected shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson. Robinson now faces charges including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury.
A Message of Forgiveness
During Charlie Kirk’s memorial on Sunday, Erika addressed the crowd, expressing her faith and compassion. She said her late husband wanted to “help save young men, just like the one who took his life.”
“That young man, that young man,” she said. “On the cross, our Savior said: ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ That man, that young man—I forgive him. I forgive him because it was what Christ did, and it is what Charlie would do. The answer to hate is not hate. The gospel teaches us love. Always love. Love your enemies and those who persecute you.”
Erika Recalls Visiting the Hospital
Erika also described her visit to the hospital in Utah, where she saw her husband’s body.
“I saw the wound that ended his life. I felt everything he would expect me to feel—shock, horror, and a heartache I didn’t know existed. But there was something else too. Even in death, I saw the man I love… and on his lips, the faintest smile.”
She added that the doctor told her that even if Charlie had been shot in the operating room, nothing could have saved him.
“There was no pain, no fear, no agony. One moment, Charlie was doing what he loved—arguing and debating on campus, fighting for the gospel and truth in front of a big crowd. Then he blinked, and he saw his Savior in paradise.”
A Call to Faith
Erika concluded her speech by honoring her husband’s legacy:
“Charlie’s life was a turning point for this country. It was a miracle. Choose prayer. Choose courage. Choose beauty. Choose adventure. Choose family. Choose a life of faith. Most importantly, choose Christ.”