Charlie Kirk’s wife Erika delivers emotional first remarks after conservative activist’s tragic passing: ‘My husband laid down his life for me, for our nation, for our children’

Charlie Kirk’s heartbroken widow said her husband gave his life in service of his country and family – and that the “evildoers” who publicly attacked the conservative activist have only fanned the flames of his patriotic mission.

A teary-eyed Erika Frantzve Kirk, wife of the late founder of Turning Point USA, addressed mourners for the first time Friday in a live-streamed speech from her husband’s Arizona podcast studio just two days after he collapsed on stage during an outdoor college campus event in Utah.

“My husband laid down his life for me, for our nation, for our children,” Erika said as she stood behind a podium bearing a sign of her late husband’s face with the text: “May Charlie be received into the merciful arms of Jesus, our loving Savior.”

The bereaved wife – wearing an emerald green shirt, white blazer, and silver cross – paused several times to catch her breath, wipe away tears and speak directly to her departed husband during her roughly 16-minute remarks.

Erika Kirk speaking at a podium.
Erika Kirk paid tribute to her husband in a tearful speech.Turning Point USA

Charlie and Erika Kirk with their daughter, all wearing "Make America Great Again" hats.
Erika recalled Charlie as a man of faith who was devoted to his family and country

After thanking first responders for trying to save her sweetheart and law enforcement for swiftly apprehending the suspect, she firmly vowed to uphold Kirk’s legacy and not let those who took his life silence his mission and voice.

“The evildoers responsible for my husband’s passing have no idea what they have done,” she said.

JD and Usha Vance escorted Charlie’s remains home to Phoenix on Air Force Two, Kirk thanked them in the emotional speech.

“They targeted Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith and of God’s merciful love. They should all know this: if you thought my husband’s mission was powerful before, you have no idea what you have unleashed across this entire country and this world,” she said passionately.

“You have no idea the fire you have ignited within his wife. The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry. To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die. It won’t, I refuse to let that happen.”

“No one will ever forget my husband’s name,” Erika declared. “I will make sure of it.”

Kirk, 31, passed away after suffering a severe injury at Utah Valley University while addressing thousands during the inaugural stop of his American Comeback Tour Wednesday afternoon.

VP Vance, his wife, and the wife of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk disembarking Air Force Two.
JD and Usha Vance escorted Charlie’s body home to Phoenix on Air Force Two, Kirk thanked them in the emotional speech.

Tyler Robinson, 22, is accused of causing the fatal incident from roughly 200 yards away from the pop-up tent where the right-wing influencer was answering questions during the outdoor event on the Orem campus.

Robinson, a devout Mormon and trade student in Utah, was taken into custody Thursday night and is expected to face multiple state charges, according to a probable cause affidavit released Friday.

Erika, the 2012 Miss Arizona, married the MAGA icon in 2021, and they share two young children – a 3-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son.

In her remarks Friday, she remembered Kirk as the “perfect” father and husband, recalling how she broke the news to their young daughter by telling her that he was on a “work trip with Jesus.”

The shattered wife, host of devotional podcast “Midweek Rise Up,” accompanied her husband’s remains to Phoenix’s Hansen Mortuary Chapel Thursday after it was flown from Utah on Air Force Two.

Vice President JD Vance arranged the flight after Wednesday’s tragic incident and, along with Second Lady Usha, stayed by the grieving widow’s side following her husband’s passing.

Selfie of Charlie and Erika Kirk at a large gathering.
Charlie and Erika Kirk have two young children.Instagram/mrserikakirk

Vance, 41, then helped carry Kirk’s wooden case to Air Force Two during a private ceremony at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base in Salt Lake City.

“I want to thank my husband’s dear friend, Vice President Vance, and his phenomenal wife, Usha, for their love and support,” Erika said while fighting back tears.

“You guys honored my husband so well bringing him home. You both are tremendous.”

Erika, who said she hasn’t slept since her husband’s heartbreaking loss, also expressed her gratitude to President Trump and his family for their friendship and love.

Erika Kirk delivering a eulogy.
Erika also announced that Charlie’s work with Turning Point USA will continue.Turning Point USA

The 79-year-old commander in chief was the first to publicly acknowledge Kirk’s passing and also said he would posthumously award his close ally the Presidential Medal of Freedom – the nation’s highest honor.

“Mr. President, my husband loved you and he knew that you loved him too,” Erika said.

“Your friendship was amazing. You supported him so well, as did he for you.”

Trump said Friday that he plans to attend Kirk’s funeral in Arizona, calling it an “obligation.”