Erika Kirk spoke at her husband Charlie Kirk’s public service memorial in Arizona on Sunday, September 21. In her speech, she explained why she ‘forgives’ Kirk’s killer.
Kirk was shot on tour
The 36-year-old wife was visibly emotional as she stood in front of a crowd gathered to honor the death of her husband, Charlie Kirk, who died aged 31.
He was fatally shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on September 10 as part of his tour with Turning Point USA.
Many attended the memorial
The public service memorial for the right-wing activist saw a wide range of politicians and fans attending at the State Farm Stadium in Arizona.
Among those who spoke were President Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and JD Vance.
Erika spoke about religion in her speech
Erika shared some of the memories she had with her husband in an emotional speech at his memorial, mentioning her Christian faith as a tool in grieving.
The mother of two revealed why she is willing to ‘forgive’ her husband’s killer, per NPR.
She went into detail about it
Erika said, “My husband, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life. That young man, that young man.”
“On the cross, our savior said: ‘Father, forgive them for they not know what they do.’”
Erika said she ‘forgives’ the killer
“That man, that young man, I forgive him. I forgive him because it was what Christ did and it is what Charlie would do,” the wife said.
“The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the gospel is love and always love, love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.”
RELATED STORIES
A suspect has been charged of the murder
Prime suspect Tyler Robinson was taken in by authorities for allegedly killing Charlie Kirk after a family member reportedly turned him in.
He has since been charged with seven counts, including one of aggravated murder.
Erika also spoke about the last moments with Kirk
In her speech, Erika also shared the final moments when she saw Kirk’s body at the hospital, confirming news that he died on impact.
She said, “[I looked] directly at my husband’s murdered body. I saw the wound that ended his life, but there was something else.”
She could still see her husband
The wife went on, “Even in death, I could see the man that I love. I saw the one, single grey hair on the side of his head, which I never told him about. Now he knows. Sorry baby, I’m telling you now.”
She saw a smile on his face
“I also saw on his lips the faintest smile. And that told me something important. It revealed to me a great mercy from God in this tragedy,” Erika said.
She added, “When I saw that, it told me Charlie didn’t suffer. Even the doctor told me – it was something so instant.”
