Sept. 22, 2025, Published 1:26 p.m. ET
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Charlie Kirk‘s widow, Erika, delivered a powerful message of forgiveness at his memorial service, choosing to forgive the man accused of killing him, Tyler Robinson, as reported by RadarOnline.com.
Speaking to an audience of nearly 100,000 gathered at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Erika, 36, shared how her husband had a passion for helping young people, including those who may struggle like the alleged shooter.
Tyler Robinson, 22, is facing charges of aggravated murder and several other offenses in connection with the tragic shooting that took place on the Utah State University campus on September 10.
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‘The Answer to Hate Is Not Hate’
Erika Kirk’s unwavering Christian faith guided her to forgive the man who allegedly took her husband’s life.
In her heartfelt speech, Erika tearfully remarked, “Our Savior said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ I forgive that young man … because it is what Christ did, and it’s what Charlie would have done.”
She emphasized the need for love over hatred, stating, “The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the gospel is love and always love. Love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.”
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‘I Felt Shock’
Erika Kirk has stepped into the role of CEO for her late husband’s organization, Turning Point USA.
Erika recounted the devastating moment she saw her husband’s body after the tragic shooting, saying, “I saw the wound that took his life … I felt shock, horror, and heartache that I didn’t know existed.”
She added, “But even in death, I could see the man that I loved. I noticed a single gray hair on his head, something I never mentioned to him. In his lips was the faintest smile; it was a great mercy from God amidst this tragedy. It showed me Charlie didn’t suffer.”
Erika indicated that doctors assured her that Charlie had passed quickly with no pain despite the severity of his injury.
Charlie was fatally shot in the neck, allegedly by Robinson, during a debate at the Utah Valley University campus. He was rushed to a local hospital but was pronounced dead at just 31 years old.
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‘Jesus Rescued Him’
Former President Donald Trump acknowledged Erika onstage during her late husband’s memorial.
Before the memorial service, Erika shared her reluctance to be involved in Robinson’s trial, expressing, “I do not want that man’s blood on my ledger. When I reach heaven and Jesus asks me, ‘Is this how we do it—eye for an eye?’ I don’t want that to obstruct my place with Charlie,” she explained in a candid interview.
She also detailed the advice given to her regarding seeing her husband’s body, noting it was considerably damaged, yet chose to remember how serene he appeared, saying, “He had this knowing, half-smile, as if he died content—like Jesus rescued him.”
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Death Penalty Case
Tyler Robinson faces charges of aggravated murder for the alleged killing of Charlie Kirk.
Charlie was shot during the launch of his fall 2024 American Comeback tour across college campuses on September 10.
Robinson allegedly used a high-powered hunting rifle from a rooftop nearly 150 yards away to assassinate the conservative activist. Prosecutors are currently pursuing the death penalty in this high-profile case.
The authorities disclosed messages exchanged between Robinson and his transgender partner, Lance Twiggs, where he admitted to the killing, citing his motive as “I had enough of his hatred. Some hatred cannot be negotiated with.”
