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
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.” 

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Musk addressed the incident on social media shortly after reports of the explosion surfaced
7 hours ago
In his Instagram post, Bret Michaels noted that the event had 'evolved into something much more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of'
8 hours ago
Clarence B Jones was Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr's lawyer, speechwriter, and close friend from 1960 until his assassination in 1968
9 hours ago
Claude Lemieux’s legacy as a clutch playoff performer drew tributes from Donald Trump, Gary Bettman and NHL greats after his death at 60
9 hours ago
Dart has been in hot water since he introduced Trump at a campaign-style rally for Republican Rep Mike Lawler
9 hours ago
Martina McBride explained that she had 'asked lots of questions' before signing on and was assured the event was nonpartisan
10 hours ago
Karoline Leavitt, Nicki Minaj, and other top leaders share social media wishes for Rubio’s birthday
11 hours ago
Donald Trump Jr and Bettina Anderson’s private Bahamas wedding fueled online speculation about elite connections and financing
11 hours ago
As per a report, Vivek Ramaswamy was visibly 'flustered' and snuck away from the area
12 hours ago
The White House launched a sci-fi styled 'aliens' website using ICE arrest data and immigration enforcement statistics
12 hours ago