Erika Frantzve Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, delivered her first public remarks Friday following the assassination of her husband, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA.
Speaking from his Arizona podcast studio during a live-streamed address, Erika described her husband’s death as both a personal and national sacrifice, while promising to carry forward his work.
“My husband laid down his life for me, for our nation, for our children,” Erika said during the 16-minute speech.
Standing at a podium adorned with a picture of Kirk and the words, “May Charlie be received into the merciful arms of Jesus, our loving Savior,” she told mourners that her husband would “stand at his savior’s side wearing the glorious crown of a martyr.”
Wearing an emerald green shirt, white blazer, and silver cross, Erika paused several times to regain composure as she addressed both the crowd and her late husband directly.
She thanked first responders for their efforts and law enforcement for swiftly apprehending the suspect.
She also vowed to defend Kirk’s legacy, saying those responsible for his death had only strengthened the movement he built.
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“The evildoers responsible for my husband’s assassination have no idea what they have done,” she said.
“They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith and of God’s merciful love. They should all know this: if you thought my husband’s mission was powerful before, you have no idea what you have unleashed across this entire country and this world.”
Her voice breaking at times, Erika added: “You have no idea the fire you have ignited within his wife, the cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry. 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. I will make sure of it.”
I will go to war to fulfill these words spoken by Erika.
“If you thought my husbands mission was powerful before, you have no idea”
“You have no idea what you have just released across this entire nation, across the world.”
“The cries of this widow will echo around the world… pic.twitter.com/Le4tztuvqF
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) September 13, 2025
Kirk was shot in the neck on Wednesday at Utah Valley University in Orem during the opening event of his American Comeback Tour.
The attack occurred as he was addressing thousands in attendance.
Police say the suspected gunman, Tyler Robinson, 22, fired from roughly 200 yards away while Kirk was answering a question on campus.
Robinson, a Mormon and trade student in Utah, was arrested Thursday evening after a large-scale manhunt.
A probable cause affidavit released Friday said he is expected to face aggravated murder and other state charges.
Erika, crowned Miss Arizona in 2012, married Kirk in 2021.
They have two children together, a three-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son.
On Friday, she recalled telling her daughter that her father had gone on a “work trip with Jesus” after his death.
She described Kirk as a devoted husband and father, calling him “perfect.”
On Thursday, Erika accompanied her husband’s body to Phoenix after it was transported from Utah aboard Air Force Two.
Vice President J.D. Vance arranged the flight and, along with his wife Usha, stayed with the grieving widow.
The Vice President also helped carry Kirk’s casket during a private ceremony at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base in Salt Lake City.
“I want to thank my husband’s dear friend, Vice President Vance, and his phenomenal wife, Usha, for their love and support,” Erika said.
“You guys honored my husband so well bringing him home. You both are tremendous.”
She also expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump, who was the first to announce Kirk’s death.
President Trump has said he will posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
Erika addressed him directly in her remarks: “Mr. President, my husband loved you and he knew that you loved him too. Your friendship was amazing. You supported him so well, as did he for you.”
President Trump said Friday he plans to attend Kirk’s funeral in Arizona, calling it an “obligation.”
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.