In a poignant tribute, Erika Kirk extends forgiveness to the man accused of killing her husband, while President Trump shares his contrasting view on dealing with opponents.
At a deeply emotional memorial for right-wing activist Charlie Kirk on Sunday, Sept. 21, in Glendale, Arizona, his widow, Erika Kirk, delivered a moving tribute that showcased grace and faith in the face of tragedy. Speaking at State Farm Stadium just 11 days after her husband’s fatal shooting, Erika honored Charlie’s life while extending forgiveness to the young man accused of taking it.
“My husband, Charlie, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” Erika said, quoting one of Charlie’s favorite Bible verses, Isaiah 6:8: “Here I am, Lord. Send me.”
Erika acknowledged the pain and shock of losing her husband, Tyler Robinson, 22, who allegedly shot Charlie at Utah Valley University while he was speaking on Sept. 10, is currently held without bail at Utah County Jail. Yet her focus was on forgiveness and embodying the principles Charlie cherished.
“Our Savior said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they not know what they do.’ That young man … I forgive him,” Erika continued through tears. “I forgive him because it was what Christ did, and it’s what Charlie would do. The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the gospel is love and always love. Love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.”
Erika also reflected on her personal life with Charlie, highlighting the strength of their marriage despite his frequent travels, and celebrated the honor of stepping into his role as the new CEO of Turning Point USA. The couple shared two children, a daughter born in 2022 and a son born in 2024.
Following Erika’s heartfelt words, former President Donald Trump took the stage to commemorate Charlie’s life and legacy. In a moment that quickly went viral, Trump expressed his admiration for Charlie’s approach while admitting his own contrasting perspective on opponents.
“Charlie Kirk truly was … he was a missionary with a noble spirit and a great, great purpose,” Trump said. “He did not hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them. That’s where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponent and I don’t want the best for them. I’m sorry, I am sorry, Erika. But now Erika can talk to me and the whole group and maybe they can convince me that’s not right, but I cannot stand my opponent.”
Trump concluded on a lighter note, imagining Charlie looking down from above with a mix of amusement and admonishment. “Charlie’s angry, looking down, he’s angry at me now,” he said, bringing a moment of reflective levity to the somber event.
The memorial offered a powerful juxtaposition of perspectives: Erika’s embodiment of forgiveness and love, and Trump’s candid reflection on rivalry and human nature. Together, their remarks highlighted not only Charlie Kirk’s enduring impact but also the different ways individuals process grief, loss, and moral reflection.
Erika Kirk’s ability to forgive so soon after tragedy, coupled with her dedication to continuing Charlie’s mission, leaves a lasting impression of resilience, faith, and unwavering commitment to the principles he stood for.
