Erika Kirk delivered her first public address Friday evening following the assassination of her husband, conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Speaking from his studio beside his empty chair, she promised to continue the political mission he built.
Erika Kirk Delivers Moving Tribute
Her 16-minute speech began with a silent prayer before she broke down in tears.
“Charlie, I promise I will never let your legacy die, baby,” she said.
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“I promise I’ll make Turning Point USA the biggest thing this nation has ever seen.”
Wearing an emerald blouse and white blazer, Erika thanked President Donald Trump and his family for standing by her.
“Mr. President, my husband loved you. And he knew that you loved him too,” she said.
She also praised Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha for “bringing him home.”
Erika addressed employees of Turning Point USA, the group Charlie co-founded.
“My heart is with everyone of my husband’s employees who lost a friend and a mentor,” she said.
She thanked first responders who tried to save his life and police who protected others during the attack.
A photo of Kirk sat on the podium with the caption: “May Charlie be received into the merciful arms of Jesus.”
“Charlie loved life. He loved America,” Erika said.
With a faint smile, she added, “Go Ducks,” noting his support for the Oregon team.
She described Kirk as a devoted husband and father.
“Most of all, Charlie loved his children. And he loved me,” she said.
Through tears, she called him a “perfect father.”
Erika shared a moment with their daughter, GG, who asked, “Where’s daddy?”
“What do you tell a three-year-old?” Erika said, her voice breaking.
She told her, “Daddy loves you so much. He’s on a work trip with Jesus.”
Wearing a cross necklace, Erika quoted scripture: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church.”
“My husband laid down his life for me, for our nation, for our children,” she said.
She described Charlie as wearing “the glorious crown of a martyr.”
Erika pledged that Turning Point’s campus tours and podcast will continue.
“One of his mottos was never surrender. So I want to tell you that we will never surrender,” she declared.
“His voice will remain in a world filled with chaos, doubt and uncertainty.”
Turning to the assassin, she said: “You have no idea what you have done.”
“They killed Charlie because he preached patriotism, faith, and God’s merciful love.”
“You have no idea the fire you ignited in this wife,” she said. “The cries of this widow will echo like a battle cry.”
Erika closed by speaking directly to Charlie.
“I can’t wait to see you again one day,” she said.
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Mrs. Erika Kirk Addresses The Nation After Her Husband’s Assassination@TPUSA @MrsErikaKirk pic.twitter.com/55Gvxtbc7G
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) September 13, 2025
