'My husband loved you': Charlie Kirk's widow Erika thanks Trump as she breaks silence in emotional tribute

PHOENIX, ARIZONA: Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk's wife Erika Kirk thanked President Donald Trump on Friday, September 12, during her first public words since her husband was shot dead on Wednesday, September 10, in Utah.

Erika stood at a podium next to her late husband’s podcasting chair in Phoenix, Arizona, during an emotional appearance in front of reporters. Law enforcement announced on Friday morning that the alleged suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, had been arrested.

Erika Kirk tells Trump: 'Your friendship was amazing'

An emotional Erika Kirk said during her speech, "I want to thank President Trump and his incredible family. Mr President, my husband loved you. And he knew that you loved him, too. He did. Your friendship was amazing. You supported him so well."

Meanwhile, the POTUS, during an appearance on 'Fox & Friends' on Friday, called Charlie Kirk an "unbelievable warrior" and "a great man" who is going to be "more important because of what happened".

Moreover, Erika also thanked Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance for "their love and support".

She said, "You guys honored my husband so well, bringing him home."

JD and Usha Vance accompanied Kirk on Friday, as she flew alongside her husband’s body from Utah to Arizona.

Erika Kirk says she will never let Charlie's legacy die

During her emotional speech on Friday, Erika Kirk said, "To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die."

"It won't. I refuse to let that happen. … No one will ever forget my husband's name. And I will make sure of it. It will become stronger. Bolder. Louder and greater than ever. My husband's mission will not end. Not even for a moment," Erika mentioned.

She added, "My husband's voice will remain, and it will ring out louder and more clearly than ever. And his wisdom will endure."

During her powerful speech, Erika delivered a message to the "evildoers responsible" for Charlie Kirk's death, and said that they "have no idea what they have done."

"They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith and of God's merciful love. But they should all know this. If you thought that my husband's mission was powerful before, you have no idea," she said.

Erika added, "You have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country."

She further said that Turning Point USA, the organization her husband co-founded, will continue with its fall campus tour as planned and said there will be even more tours in the years to come. 

Erika further went on to talk about what her daughter said following Charlie's tragic demise.

She said, "[Our daughter said] 'Mommy, I missed you.' I said, I missed you too. She goes, 'where's daddy?' She's three."

"I said, 'Baby, daddy loves you so much. He's on a work trip with Jesus, so he can afford your blueberry budget'," an emotional Erika said.