Erika Kirk canceled her participation in a Turning Point USA event with Vice President JD Vance due to reported security concerns.
Erika, 37, was set to lead the political organization’s event at the University of Georgia alongside Vance, 41, on Tuesday, April 14. However, she announced her decision to withdraw via X that same evening.
“I was eagerly anticipating tonight’s event … but considering what my family has endured, I take my security team’s advice very seriously,” she posted on the social media platform. “Thank you to our wonderful Georgia chapter for your support. God bless you all!”
Following the September 2025 assassination of her husband and co-founder Charlie Kirk, Erika became the chairwoman and CEO of Turning Point USA. She was replaced at the event by Andrew Kolvet.
“I’m here on stage instead of our friend Erika Kirk because unfortunately, she has faced some very serious threats, which is terrible,” Kolvet stated at the event. “It’s a troubling reflection on the current state of affairs in our country.”
Us Weekly has reached out to Erika’s team for a statement.
Erika Kirk Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
Kolvet, representing Turning Point USA, also discussed Erika’s withdrawal with the vice president, who shared Kolvet’s concerns.
“First of all, I care deeply for Erika. I am aware she received threats. Just two hours ago, Andrew, I was concerned we might have to cancel the event because Erika decided not to attend, and she was very worried,” Vance said, according to Fox 5 Atlanta, which reported that the Vice President had consulted with the Secret Service prior to the event.
Vance continued, “I said, ‘Let’s allow Erika to do what she needs for herself and her family.’ Those claiming Erika wasn’t mourning her husband are completely wrong. If you feel the need to criticize a young mother for grieving in a way you disagree with, perhaps you should focus on your own matters.”
JD Vance Caylo Seals/Getty Images
Erika, who has a daughter born in 2022 and a son born in 2024 with the late Charlie, is committed to continuing her husband’s legacy after his death. (Charlie was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on September 10, 2025, at the age of 31.)
“Charlie understood that evil triumphs when good people remain silent,” the widow declared at the November 2025 Fox Nation’s Patriot Awards. “For the rest of my life, I will ensure that I do not remain silent. I will keep speaking the truth regardless of the cost. I hope you all do the same, for Charlie.”
The individual accused of Charlie’s assassination is currently in police custody as the legal proceedings against the 22-year-old white man continue. If convicted of aggravated murder and Charlie’s shooting death, as alleged by Utah prosecutors, he may face the death penalty.
