Erika Kirk condemns ‘evildoers responsible’ for her husband’s death; says message will continue

PHOENIX (KPHO/Gray News) - Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, gave her first public address Friday since her husband was shot and killed during an event at a Utah college campus earlier this week.

Erika Kirk condemned “those responsible” for Charlie Kirk’s death.

“My husband laid his life down for me, his nation, his children, and showed the true and covenantal love,” Erika Kirk said.

She described Charlie Kirk as family-focused and wanted what was best for the country.

The two were married for four years and have a 3-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son.

The remarks were being streamed across Turning Point USA’s streaming pages.

Charlie Kirk helped found the political organization in 2012 and was the CEO. The headquarters were later moved to Phoenix.

On Thursday, Erika was on board Air Force Two with Charlie Kirk’s casket, which went from Utah to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. His body received a police escort to a mortuary in Phoenix. The Kirks call the Phoenix area their home.

Erika Kirk has been one of her husband’s staunchest supporters. Loved ones said her marriage to 31-year-old Charlie Kirk became the center of her life.

She committed herself to homeschooling their kids while supporting him, as she was often by his side as he traveled the country.

Erika Kirk had a stern warning for the people she said were behind Charlie Kirk’s death.

“The evildoers responsible for my husband’s assassination have no idea what they’ve done. They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith, and God’s merciful love,” she said. “If you thought my husband’s mission was powerful before, you have no idea.”

She added that Charlie’s enemies have ignited a fire for his beliefs. “The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry,” Erika said. “His name won’t be forgotten and his mission won’t end.”

Erika Kirk added that the campus tour and his podcasts will continue with his message being sent around the world “louder and more clearly than ever.”

“One of his mottos was ‘never surrender,’ and I will never surrender,” she said.

Earlier on Friday, authorities in Utah announced the arrest of Charlie Kirk’s suspected shooter, identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson.