Erika Kirk’s Heartfelt Words on Charlie: Forgiveness, Faith, and Legacy

Erika Kirk has spoken about her late husband Charlie with a mix of deep pain, unshakable faith, and unwavering love. At his memorial, she stunned many by publicly forgiving the young man accused of taking Charlie’s life, saying that forgiveness was what Christ would do, and what Charlie himself would have wanted. She reminded everyone that hate cannot be answered with hate, but only with love — even love for our enemies. Erika also shared that she would not personally seek the death penalty, choosing instead to leave justice in God’s hands and the hands of the law, rather than carry vengeance in her heart. Through tears, she spoke of Charlie’s legacy — his courage, his faith, and his tireless devotion to building a movement that would outlive him. She promised to continue his mission through Turning Point USA, where she has now stepped in to lead, just as Charlie had once said he would want. On a personal level, Erika described Charlie as a devoted husband and father, a man who left her handwritten notes every Saturday, who cherished their family above all else, and who lived with a fire for God and for the future of their country. She shared how she told their young daughter that “Daddy is on a work trip with Jesus,” offering comfort in words a child could understand. Again and again, Erika returned to the same truth: that Charlie’s life was marked by courage and faith, and even in the face of tragedy, his light will continue to shine through those who loved him and through the mission he gave his life to build.