Holding back grief, Erika Kirk told their young daughter that ‘Daddy is on a work trip with Jesus,’ framing her loss in the language of faith and love.
Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, delivered a deeply emotional statement two days after his assassination. Speaking through tears, she described her husband as a “perfect father” and “perfect husband,” recalling his devotion to faith, family, and country. Holding back grief, she told their young daughter that “Daddy is on a work trip with Jesus,” framing her loss in the language of faith and love.
A conservative political commentator and staunch Donald Trump supporter, Charlie Kirk was shot dead at an event in Utah on September 10.
In a livestream, standing beside her husband’s empty chair that he used during podcast tapings, she thanked law enforcement, friends, and supporters, while promising to carry forward his mission, declaring: “The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry.”
“Charlie said if he ever ran for office, his top priority would be to revive the American family. That was his priority,” Erika further said, adding: “Charlie loved life. He loved his life. He loved America.”
Kirk, the co-founder of conservative youth group Turning Point USA, was shot dead on Wednesday while hosting a debate at Utah Valley University in Orem.
Speaking about the assassination, Erika said that the “the evildoers killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith and of God’s merciful love”.
“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 said.
“They should all know this: If you thought that my husband’s mission was powerful before you have no idea, you have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country and this world, you have no idea,” Erika added.
Towards the end of her speech, Erika urged young people to join her late husband’s movement.
“I promise I will never let your legacy die”, vowing to make his movement the “biggest thing this nation has ever seen”.
The comments come hours after a 30-hour manhunt led to the arrest of a 22-year-old suspect, who was identified as Tyler Robinson, more than 250 miles from the scene of the crime, after a family friend of the suspect contacted police.
Photo : AP
Robinson is currently in Utah County Jail on suspicion of aggravated murder and other felonies. Officials said they believe he acted alone.
Governor Spencer Cox told a news conference that a relative of the suspect had reached out to a family friend after the shooting. That friend alerted a sheriff’s office, saying Robinson had confessed or implied he was responsible.
Robinson’s father recognised the young man as his son when police released photos yesterday. After confessing to his father, the suspect said he would “rather kill myself than turn myself in,” a law enforcement official briefed on the investigation said. A family friend ultimately contacted authorities, Utah’s governor said.
