Erika Kirk has paid a heartfelt tribute to her late husband, Charlie Kirk, on his first birthday since his tragic assassination in Utah last month.
The bereaved wife shared a poignant post via Turning Point USA, an organisation associated with Kirk, featuring a photo of him and the caption: “A life lived boldly. A legacy remembered forever. Happy birthday, Charlie.”
Donald Trump Jr. also commemorated Kirk’s birthday by sharing a photo of them together, captioning it: “Happy birthday, Charlie. We miss you!”
JD Vance, Vice President and host of The Charlie Kirk show following his death, retweeted a message from the show’s producer, Andrew Kolvet, which read: “Happy 32nd birthday, Charlie.”
Turning Point USA posted advice on how to emulate Kirk’s lifestyle, honouring the 31 years he spent on Earth. Suggestions included daily journaling, registering to vote, getting married, and starting a family.
Kirk, aged 31, was tragically shot in the neck while engaging in debate with university students at Utah Valley University in Orem during the inaugural event of his American Comeback Tour on 10th September, reports the Express US.
Shortly after the shooting, Donald Trump announced Kirk’s passing on Truth Social, writing: “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
The gunman has been identified as 22 year old Tyler Robinson from Washington, Utah, a location approximately three hours’ drive from where the tragic incident took place. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear as investigations continue.
Robinson hails from a predominantly Republican family; however, his mother informed investigators that over the past year, Robinson had become increasingly political and began to “lean more to the left, becoming more pro-gay and trans rights-oriented.”
He now faces charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, obstruction of justice, two counts of witness tampering, and committing a violent crime in the presence of children.
He is currently detained at the Utah County Jail without bail. State prosecutors have disclosed their intention to seek the death penalty in this case, citing several factors, including Robinson’s alleged targeting of Kirk due to his political beliefs and the fact that Robinson committed the act knowing children would witness the shooting.
During Kirk’s memorial service at the State Farm Stadium in Arizona, Erika expressed her forgiveness towards Robinson. “My husband Charlie wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” she stated.
“That young man – I forgive him.”
Her heartfelt words were met with a standing ovation from those in attendance.