Erika Kirk, widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, gave a heartfelt speech at his public memorial on September 21, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona. She recalled the moment she saw his lifeless body, sharing a tender detail she never told him: a single gray hair on his head. Despite her grief, she said, “I forgive him,” addressing the alleged killer.
On September 10, 2025, Charlie was shot during a midday event at Utah Valley University. Erika had planned to accompany him but stayed home due to family duties. She received the devastating call at 11:23 a.m. that he’d been shot. Boarding a flight to Utah, hope faded as she looked at the clouds he last saw.
At the hospital, Erika asked to see him, finding peace in his half-smile, as if he’d died happy. Charlie’s shooting caused lockdowns and a federal investigation, but the suspect was quickly released, leaving authorities searching for a skilled, elusive shooter.
Witnesses initially thought the gunshot was part of the event. Panic spread as Charlie collapsed. His death prompted national mourning, with President Trump calling it a “heinous assassination” and ordering flags at half-staff.