Erika Kirk promises to make Turning Point USA ‘biggest thing this nation has ever seen’ as suspect Tyler Robinson arrested for political assassination
The widow of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk made her first public address since her husband’s assassination on Friday evening, delivering an emotional speech in which she vowed to continue his political movement and expand Turning Point USA’s influence across America.
Erika Kirk, standing next to the empty chair once used by her husband in his podcast studio, addressed an online audience just after 8:25pm Eastern Time, hours after authorities arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in connection with Wednesday’s fatal shooting at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
During the roughly 16-minute remarks, Mrs Kirk had to pause several times to catch her breath and wipe away tears as she promised her late husband: “Charlie, I promise I will never let your legacy die, baby. I promise I’ll make Turning Point USA the biggest thing that this nation has ever seen.”
The 31-year-old conservative commentator and co-founder of Turning Point USA was shot and killed whilst speaking to a crowd of over 3,000 people during his organisation’s “American Comeback Tour” campus event on Wednesday, 10 September. He leaves behind his wife and two young children.
Arrest made in political assassination case
Tyler James Robinson of Washington, Utah, was arrested on Friday on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm, and obstruction of justice, according to a probable cause statement filed in court. A judge ordered he be held without bail.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox told reporters the break in the case came after a family member of Robinson reached out to a family friend with information that Robinson had “confessed” or implied involvement in the shooting. Cox said authorities believe Robinson acted alone.
Robinson is registered to vote but is not affiliated with a political party, according to Utah state records. The governor said Robinson “had become more political in recent years” and had particularly lashed out at Kirk during a recent family dinner.
Authorities recovered a “high-powered, bolt-action rifle” used in the shooting from a wooded area near the university campus. Video footage shows Robinson arrived on campus at 11:52am on Wednesday, travelled through stairwells to reach a rooftop, and fired a single shot at Kirk from a long distance.
Emotional tribute to fallen husband
Wearing an emerald green shirt and white blazer, Mrs Kirk thanked President Donald Trump and his family for their support following the shooting. “Mr President, my husband loved you. And he knew that you loved him too. He did. Your friendship was amazing. You supported him so well, as did he for you,” she said.
She also thanked Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance for “bringing him home.” The Vances had accompanied Kirk’s body on Air Force Two when it was flown back to Arizona on Thursday, with Mrs Kirk photographed clutching a cross as she walked down the plane’s steps.
Mrs Kirk began her address with a silent prayer before thanking employees of Turning Point USA. “My heart is with everyone of my husband’s employees who lost a friend and a mentor,” she said. “He loved what he did.”
She praised law enforcement and “the first responders who struggled heroically to save Charlie’s life, and the police who acted bravely to ensure there were no other victims on that terrible afternoon.
Personal memories and family heartbreak
In particularly heart-wrenching moments, Mrs Kirk shared intimate details about her husband’s character and their family life. “Charlie loved life. He loved his life. He loved America,” she said, describing his hobbies and favourite sports teams. “Go Ducks,” she added with a brief smile, referring to the University of Oregon team, saying he would want her to say that as they play this weekend.
“But most of all, Charlie loved his children. And he loved me. With all his heart. And he made sure I knew that every day,” she said, weeping as she called him a “perfect” father.
Mrs Kirk revealed she hasn’t slept since the shooting and shared a devastating story about their three-year-old daughter. “Where’s daddy?” the child, whom they call GG, asked when running into her mother’s arms the night before.
“What do you tell a three-year-old?” Mrs Kirk said through tears. “Baby, daddy loves you so much. Don’t you worry. He’s on a work trip with Jesus. He can afford your blueberry budget.”
Defiant message to killers
Addressing what she called “the evildoers responsible” directly, Mrs Kirk delivered a powerful rebuke: “You have no idea what you have done. They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith and of God’s merciful love.”
In a defiant tone, she warned: “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.”
“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,” she declared.
Movement will continue and expand
Mrs Kirk pledged that her husband’s work would not only continue but grow stronger. The campus tour will proceed as scheduled, with the next stop at Colorado State University on 18 September. “There will be even more tours in the years ahead to come,” she promised.
Kirk’s popular podcast will also continue broadcasting, and the annual AmericaFest conference will proceed as planned in Phoenix this December. “He never gave up. One of his mottos was never surrender. So I want to tell you that we will never surrender,” Mrs Kirk said defiantly.
She noted that if her husband had ever run for office, “his top priority would be to revive the American family. That was his priority.”
Presidential recognition and national mourning
President Trump announced on Friday he would posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honour. The president also said he plans to attend Kirk’s funeral, calling it an “obligation.”
Trump had earlier posted on Truth Social: “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.”
Flags at federal buildings have been ordered to half-staff until sunset on 14 September, following a presidential proclamation honouring Kirk’s memory.
Political violence concerns escalate
Kirk’s assassination has raised fresh alarms about political violence in the United States. Utah Democrats reported receiving threatening voice messages within hours of the shooting, with callers blaming them for Kirk’s death.
The killing marks the latest in a series of attacks targeting American political figures across the ideological spectrum. Utah Governor Cox called it a “political assassination” and said those responsible would be “held fully accountable.”
More than 7,000 tips poured in to the FBI during the manhunt for Kirk’s killer, a number officials said hadn’t been seen since the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013. Federal charges are expected to be filed against Robinson, with the death penalty potentially in play under U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Faith and legacy
Wearing a cross necklace, Mrs Kirk focused heavily on her Christian faith during the address, quoting from the Bible: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
“My husband laid down his life for me, for our nation, for our children,” she said. “May Charlie be received into the merciful arms of Jesus, our loving Saviour. Now and for all eternity, he will stand at his Saviour’s side wearing the glorious crown of a martyr.”
Before concluding her emotional address, Mrs Kirk spoke directly to her late husband: “I can’t wait to see you again one day.”
The assassination has sparked an outpouring of support, with Americans donating millions of dollars through online fundraisers for Kirk’s family. His influence on conservative youth politics and the legacy of Turning Point USA, which he co-founded at age 18, continues to resonate across the American political landscape.
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