Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, delivered a heartfelt speech at her husband’s memorial service, forgiving his assassin and urging Americans to confront hate with love.
Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University.
Erika Kirk forgave her husband’s accused killer, Tyler Robinson, citing Jesus’ words on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
She emphasized that forgiveness is what Christ would do and what her husband would want her to do.
Erika Kirk stressed that the answer to hate is not hate, but love, referencing the gospel’s teachings on loving one’s enemies and those who persecute us.
As the new CEO of Turning Point USA, Erika Kirk pledged to expand the organization’s work, aiming to point young people towards truth, beauty, and faith.
Despite the tragic circumstances, Erika Kirk expressed gratitude for the outpouring of faith and the number of people who accepted Christ or renewed their faith following her husband’s death, describing it as a revival.