Erika Kirk stood before a massive crowd at the memorial service for her late husband, Christian activist Charlie Kirk, and forgave the man who ended his life. Charlie, founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot by Tyler Robinson on September 10 at Utah Valley University during a Q&A. In her address at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Erika declared that she forgives him—“because it was what Christ did, and is what Charlie would do.”
She explained that the Gospel calls Christians not to respond to hate with hate. Erika reminded everyone of Jesus’ words on the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” That passage undergirded her decision to choose love over bitterness, even for the person responsible for such deep pain.
Reflecting on Charlie’s faith, Erika recalled how he once spoke about “submission to the will of God” at an event known as AmericaFest. He cited Isaiah 6:8—“Here I am, Lord, send me”—and Erika urged him to consider speaking to her first, half in jest, but with love. It turned out that Charlie, in his life, fully embraced that call.
In the hospital after Charlie was shot, Erika saw a brief but powerful sign: a faint smile on his lips. She called that smile “a great mercy from God,” and said she was told he didn’t suffer. Over the eleven days since his death, Erika has found comfort in the Lord’s Prayer and in trusting that God’s will was done.
Erika also highlighted signs of revival amid their grief: people opening Bibles, returning to church, praying again—acts she believes Charlie would have cherished. She challenged men to lead their homes spiritually, and urged wives to strive for virtue. Through it all, she emphasized that Charlie’s legacy centered on faith, love, and enduring commitment to family and God’s design for marriage.