Erika Kirk has made her first public comments following the tragic shooting of her husband, Charlie Kirk, at a university in Utah. Speaking from the office where he hosted his podcast, she shared her deep love for him and highlighted his passions. "Charlie loved America, nature, and the Chicago Cubs baseball team. But most of all, Charlie loved his children and he loved me with all of his heart," she said.
In a powerful message directed at those responsible for her husband's death, Erika Kirk did not name the alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson, but expressed her anger. "You have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife. The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry," she stated.
She expressed gratitude towards Donald Trump, noting that her husband admired the former president. Erika Kirk vowed to continue her husband's legacy by maintaining his campus tour, radio show, and podcast. Charlie Kirk, 31, was a prominent conservative figure and a strong supporter of the Republican Party, particularly among younger voters.
Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested on Thursday night after his family alerted authorities that he had suggested he was involved in the shooting. Investigators used security camera footage and evidence from Robinson's online activity to connect him to the crime. Although he has not yet been formally charged, he faces allegations of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious injury, and obstruction of justice. Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray plans to file formal charges next Tuesday.
Charlie Kirk was shot while speaking at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University, attended by approximately 3,000 people. His death has prompted reactions from political leaders across the spectrum, expressing sorrow and frustration over the increasing violence in the country. President Trump described the incident as a "heinous assassination" and expressed a desire for the suspect to face the death penalty.
Following the shooting, Kirk's casket was transported to Arizona aboard Air Force Two, with Vice President JD Vance accompanying it to pay his respects. Vance shared that he and Kirk had developed a friendship after Kirk reached out to him years ago after an appearance on a news program. He described Kirk as "a true friend."
Charlie Kirk was the co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organization based in Phoenix.