Fact Check: Did Erika Kirk launch a fundraiser after Charlie Kirk’s death?

GLENDALE, ARIZONA: Conservative icon Charlie Kirk's tragic death sent shockwaves across the world. He was shot dead on September 10 while attending a Turning Point USA event in Utah. On the day of his memorial on September 21, his wife Erika said that she forgives her husband’s killer, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson.

Following this, a rumor circulated online claiming that Erika Kirk had launched an online fundraiser that raised millions of dollars. But is there any truth to this?

Claim: Erika Kirk launched fundraiser after Charlie Kirk’s death

In September 2025, a rumor spread online claiming that Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika, had set up a fundraiser that collected millions of dollars.

An X user wrote, “Erika Kirk couldn’t resist the urge to profit off her husband’s death. She wasted no time setting up a GiveSendGo that’s already at $4.7 million. She was already worth $12 million."

The rumor was amplified across Facebook and Bluesky. Another X user shared a crying photo of Erika with the caption, “Why does a man’s wife do a GoFundMe when he’s $12 million?"

ValueWalk, a website covering finance and personal wealth, estimated Charlie Kirk’s net worth to be around $12 million in 2025. This included income from TPUSA, speaking engagements, and his real estate portfolio.

Fact Check: No evidence Erika Kirk set up those fundraisers

The claims made in the online rumor are false. There is no evidence that Erika Kirk herself organized the fundraisers that raised millions of dollars, Snopes reported.

The highest-funded fundraiser appeared on GiveSendGo, not GoFundMe. It was created by ALP Pouches, a nicotine pouch company owned by conservative commentator Tucker Carlson.

Moreover, its goal was $6 million, and by mid-September it had raised about $5.5 million. The fundraiser supported Erika Kirk and her children.

The fundraising page stated, “Charlie leaves behind his wife, Erika, and their two young children. As they navigate this unimaginable loss, we want to rally together to provide security and stability for Charlie’s loved ones.”

It added, “Our goal is to raise as much as possible to support the Kirk family. ALP has contributed $1 million to this effort, and we invite you to join us in honoring Charlie’s legacy by giving whatever you are able.”

Carlson promoted this fundraiser on X the day after Kirk’s death.

Erika Kirk forgives husband’s shooter at memorial service

During Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, Erika Kirk announced that she forgives the man who killed her husband, saying that’s what Charlie would have done.

She publicly forgave Tyler Robinson, who shot and killed Charlie Kirk. Robinson has been charged with murder and is currently in custody.

Erika spoke about her husband’s mission, saying Charlie was deeply committed to helping young men who felt lost and directionless.

"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.

She added, “The men wasting their lives on distractions and the men consumed with resentment, anger, and hate. Charlie wanted to help them. He wanted them to have a home with Turning Point USA.”

Erika described his college campus visits as part of that mission. “When he went on 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,” she said.