'You ignited a fire within me': Widow to Charlie's killers
What's the story
Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, delivered an emotional tribute to her husband in her first public address since his assassination. The right-wing activist and Trump supporter was killed by a single gunshot fired from a rooftop as he spoke onstage during an outdoor campus event attended by 3,000 people. Speaking from the office where he recorded his podcast, Erika vowed to keep her husband's legacy alive and continue his work.
Legacy pledge
Erika vows to continue her husband's work
Erika said she would continue her husband's campus tour, radio show, and podcast. "In a world filled with chaos, doubt, and uncertainty, my husband's voice will remain," she said. She also thanked law enforcement for their efforts in capturing her husband's assassin and sent a message to those responsible for his death. "You have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife," she declared.
Family grief
Erika shares heartbreaking story about her daughter
Erika also shared a heartbreaking story about their daughter, who asked her where her father was. "What do you tell a three-year-old?" she asked. She said she told her daughter that Charlie loved her and was on a work trip with Jesus. Erika also thanked President Donald Trump for his support of Charlie and promised to make Turning Point USA "the biggest movement in America."
Defiant vow
'You have unleashed something powerful'
Erika directly addressed the killers of her husband, saying they had "ignited a fire" within her. She warned them that they had unleashed something powerful across the country and the world. She also promised to strengthen Turning Point USA into "the biggest movement in America." The conservative student organization was co-founded by Charlie Kirk.
Support appreciation
Thank you for standing by us, says Erika
Erika ended her address by thanking everyone who stood by them during this difficult time. She recalled how Charlie read every letter and email from his radio show listeners. "Thank you to everyone who stood by us. God bless you all," she said. She also remembered his love for family values and hobbies, ending with a nod to the University of Oregon's team as they prepared to play on Sunday.