Erika Kirk says she forgives her husband’s killer: ‘It’s what Charlie would do’

Erika Kirk told mourners at Charlie Kirk’s memorial that she forgives Tyler Robinson, her husband’s accused killer, saying it is what Charlie would do
PUBLISHED SEP 21, 2025
Erika Kirk said she forgave her husband’s killer, explaining that both Christ and Charlie Kirk taught that the answer to hate was always love (Getty Images, FBI)
Erika Kirk said she forgave her husband’s killer, explaining that both Christ and Charlie Kirk taught that the answer to hate was always love (Getty Images, FBI)


 

GLENDALE, ARIZONA: As several White House cabinet members finished paying tribute at Charlie Kirk’s memorial, Erika Kirk stepped onto the stage to address the crowd of over 60,000 mourners. Her presence brought a sense of calm and unity, reflecting the determination of the people to stand with her during this painful moment.

Speaking about Charlie’s life, their marriage, and the young men he inspired, Erika shared a powerful message: she forgives the man who killed her husband, because that’s what Charlie would have done.

Erika Kirk highlights Charlie Kirk's mission to reach young men

Erika Kirk appears onstage during the memorial service for her husband, political activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on September 10th while speaking at an event during his
Erika Kirk appears onstage during the memorial service for her husband, political activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Erika Kirk publicly forgave the man who shot and killed her husband, Charlie Kirk, earlier this month. According to reports, Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with Charlie's murder and is currently in custody.

Speaking about her husband's mission, Erika said Charlie was deeply committed to reaching young men who felt lost and directionless.

OREM, UTAH - SEPTEMBER 10: Charlie Kirk appears at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his
Charlie Kirk appears at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his 'American Comeback Tour' when he was shot in the neck and killed (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images)

“Charlie passionately wanted to reach and save the lost boys of the West. The young men who feel like they have no direction, no purpose, no faith, and no reason to live,” she said. “The men wasting their lives on distractions and the men consume with resentment, anger and hate. Charlie wanted to help them. He wanted them to have a home with Turning Point USA."

She went on to describe his visits to college campuses as part of that mission. “And when he went on to campus, he was looking to show them a better path and a better life. That was right there for the taking. He wanted to show them that." 

Erika Kirk forgives Charlie Kirk's killer

Erika Kirk speaks during the memorial service for her husband, political activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on September 10th while speaking at an event during his
Erika Kirk speaks during the memorial service for her husband, political activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Then, her voice full of emotion, Erika reflected on the man who took her husband’s life. “My husband, Charlie. He wanted to save. Young men, just like the one who took his life,” she said. “That young man. That young man on the cross. Our Savior said that. Father. Forgive them, for they not know what they do.”

She added, “You, that man. That young man. I forgive him. I forgive him because it was what Christ did. And is 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.” 

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