Erika Kirk paid tribute to her late husband, Charlie Kirk, in front of a crowd of thousands on Sunday (September 21).
Charlie Kirk was killed during a speaking event on the campus of Utah Valley University on September 10. Two days after Kirk’s death, his wife, former Miss Arizona USA Erika Frantzve, addressed the public from her late husband’s podcast studio. In the emotional speech, she remembered Charlie as a husband, father, and patriot, and vowed to continue the work he started when he founded Turning Point USA.
“You have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife, the cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry,” said Erika Kirk.
“To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die. It won’t, I refuse to let that happen … All of us will refuse to let that happen. No one will ever forget my husband’s name, and I will make sure of it.”
On September 18, Turning Point USA announced that its board had unanimously elected Erika Kirk as the organization’s new CEO and Chair of the Board.
Charlie and Erika Kirk had been married 4 1/2 years and shared two children at the time of his death.
Erika Kirk spoke to the public once again during Charlie’s public memorial service on Sunday (September 21).
A celebration of the life and legacy of conservative activist Charlie Kirk was held on Sunday and featured an impressive lineup of speakers that included Kirk’s widow, Erika.
Erika made her way to the stage, clearly overcome with emotion as those gathered greeted her with a standing ovation. She struggled to compose herself, taking in the size of the crowd, as she stood behind the podium.
ERIKA KIRK HAS TAKEN THE STAGE.
— Graham Allen (@GrahamAllen_1) September 21, 2025
She started praying as EVERYONE in the stadium cheered her. GOD BE WITH HER. pic.twitter.com/EeO5pzS4Aq
For nearly 30 minutes, Erika Kirk spoke about her late husband, sharing details about his life and his faith. She spoke of Charlie’s desire to strengthen families, about the Biblical roles of men and women, and Charlie’s desire to “save young men just like the one who took his life.”
In the most powerful moment of the service, Erika tearfully shared that she forgave her husband’s killer.
“That young man. That young man,” Erika whispered through tears. “I forgive him.”
If you watch one thing today, let it be this — the truly remarkable display of grace and compassion from Mrs. Erika Kirk as she forgives her husband's assassin because that's what Christ would do.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 21, 2025
We love you, Erika. pic.twitter.com/EsSUgeJx1F
Erika challenged men to “embrace true manhood.”
“Be strong and courageous for your families. Love your wives and lead them. Love your children and protect them. Be the spiritual head of your home. But please be a leader worth following. Your wife is not your servant, your employee, or your slave. She is your helper. You are not rivals. You are one flesh working together for the glory of God,” she said.
Erika then challenged women, encouraging them in their roles as wives and mothers.
“Women, be virtuous. Our strength is found in God’s design for our role. We are the guardians. We are the preservers. Guard your heart. Everything you do flows from it. If you’re a mother, please recognize that is the single most important ministry you have.”
Charlie’s widow said that while he died young, he was ready. “There was nothing, nothing he was putting off. There was nothing that was too hard or too painful,” Erika Kirk told the packed stadium. “He left this world without regrets. He did 100% of what he could every day. I want you to know something, Charlie died with incomplete work, but not with unfinished business.”
Watch Erika Kirk’s full speech in the video below:
Other Details Of Charlie Kirk’s Memorial Service
Charlie Kirk’s celebration of life included a worship service led by Chris Tomlin, Brandon Lake, Phil Wickham, Kari Jobe Carnes, and Cody Carnes. Country legend Lee Greenwood also performed, bringing a powerful rendition of his hit “God Bless The U.S.A.”
President Donald Trump, his son Donald Trump Jr., Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and conservative commentator Tucker Carlson were among the speakers for the event.
