Charlie Kirk’s Widow Forgives Husband’s Killer, Says “Hatred Cannot Be Answered with Hatred”
Erika Kirk, the 36-year-old widow of slain right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, has publicly forgiven the man accused of murdering her husband, delivering an emotional, faith-driven message at a memorial service attended by tens of thousands in Arizona.
“My husband Charlie, he wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life,” she told the massive crowd of more than 60,000 people, including US President Donald Trump. Her voice broke as she declared: “That man, that young man. I forgive him. I forgive him because it was what Christ did. And it’s what Charlie would do. The answer to hate is not hate.”
Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot and killed on September 10 during a debate event at a Utah university campus. Known for his staunch support of Trump and his leadership of Turning Point USA, Kirk cultivated millions of followers through social media, his popular podcast, and fiery speeches aimed at young conservatives.
Authorities say the suspected shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, justified his actions by accusing Kirk of spreading “hatred.” He now faces seven charges, including aggravated murder, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty.
Read more: Tyler Robinson: Charlie Kirk assassination suspect charged
At Sunday’s memorial, President Donald Trump hailed Kirk as “a giant of his generation,” praising him as “a devoted husband, father, son, Christian and patriot.” Trump told the crowd, “He was violently killed because he spoke for freedom and justice. For God and country. For reason and for common sense.”
The service carried the weight of a state-level ceremony, with extraordinary security and senior figures from Trump’s administration in attendance. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were among those who delivered speeches.
“You thought you could kill Charlie Kirk? You have made him immortal,” Trump advisor Stephen Miller told the audience, vowing that the conservative movement would carry on Kirk’s mission.
Other notable speakers included right-wing media figure Tucker Carlson, Trump’s Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
The memorial was organized by Turning Point USA, the influential youth movement founded by Kirk and now headed by his widow, Erika Kirk. Her message of forgiveness drew thunderous applause from the crowd, as she repeated: “That young man, I forgive him.”
In attendance was billionaire Elon Musk, seated beside Trump, with whom he shared warm words despite his turbulent departure from the administration last year.
Robinson’s trial is expected to become one of the most closely watched legal proceedings in the United States in 2025, with prosecutors determined to pursue the death penalty against him.
