John Fetterman praises Erika Kirk’s courage for appearing on stage for Charlie Kirk: ‘How heroic’

HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA: Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman applauded Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, for her courage, calling it heroic.

Fetterman's statement stood out as it's unusual for a democratic politician to show support for conservative activism. He was referring to the recent Turning Point USA (TPUSA), which was held at Mississippi University on Wednesday, October 29. 

John Fettermam commends Erika Kirk's courage

Speaking to NewsNation on Thursday, October 30, Fetterman said, "I also got a chance to watch Erika Kirk ... how heroic that is — and the courage to ... be able to get on that stage."

"Whatever your political views are, you absolutely have to celebrate and applaud her for the kind of courage to do that now,” he said, referring to the Ole Miss TPUSA event, which marked the opening of the "This Is the Turning Point" campus tour, led by Erika, who is now the head of TPUSA. 

Erika Kirk returns to TPUSA stage

Erika went on to the stage accompanied by Vice President JD Vance, which is her first Turning Point USA campus event since the assassination of her husband. 

“When our team asked my dear friend, Vice President JD Vance, to speak today, I really prayed on it because, obviously, it’s a very emotional, emotional day,” Kirk told an arena packed with students at the University of Mississippi. 

“But I could just hear Charlie in my heart,” she continued. “I could just hear him say, ‘Go reclaim that territory, babe.’”

“The battle’s already won. God’s love conquers. And that’s why I’m here today,” she added. 

“The more that I am coming to grips with the permanency of this nightmare,” she continued, “the more that I’m starting to realize and witness that the enemy – he doesn’t want you. He wants your territory. He wants your influence.” 

Erika Kirk urges students to stand firm in their beliefs

Erika spoke to hundreds of students, saying, “You might lose friends if you wear a MAGA hat or attend a TPUSA event.”

“Your generation is living at a crossroads. You are experiencing one of the most defining moments in American history. We are all witnessing in real time the battle for the soul of your generation,” she said.

“This is far more than political. You will hear the world and the cultural pressure you to go with the flow, not ruffle feathers, and avoid offending anyone. But you might lose some friends". 

She continued, "If you wear a red hat or join a Turning Point USA chapter, you might face criticism. I need to be honest with you—before, when I heard it, I thought, okay… now I understand.”

She added, “If you're worried about losing a friend, you might. I lost my best friend. If you're nervous about standing up for the truth, remember: the assassination of my husband puts those fears in perspective. All those fears really do seem small in comparison.”