The wife of the late right-wing activist Charlie Kirk has given an emotional address standing beside her husband’s empty chair that he used during podcasts. Erika Kirk thanked first responders for trying to save her husband’s life after he was fatally shot during an open-air speaking event at Utah Valley University.
The address was livestreamed from Turning Point USA’s headquarters in Arizona. Mrs Kirk quoted the Bible and spoke about her husband’s love for Donald Trump, the United States and their two young children. She said: “My husband’s voice will remain.”
After looking up and whispering a silent prayer, Mrs Kirk continued: “Mr President, my husband loved you. And he knew that you loved him too.
“But most of all, Charlie loved his children. And he loved me. With all his heart. And he made sure I knew that everyday.”
The widow then addressed “evil-doers”. She said: “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.
“They should all know this: if you thought that my husband’s mission was powerful before you have no idea, you have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country and this world.”
Charlie Kirk was shot during his viral Prove Me Wrong debate in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday. Tyler Robinson, 22, was then arrested on suspicion of his murder on Thursday after reportedly being turned in by a family member.
Mrs Kirk confirmed that her husband’s tour of US campuses will continue, as well as his podcast. However, she did not offer any more details.
During her emotional address, the 36-year-old widow spoke of their son, 1, and daughter, 3. They were reportedly in the audience when Charlie was fatally shot.
She said: “Baby, daddy loves you so much. Don’t you worry. He’s on a work trip with Jesus.”