‘The cries of this widow will echo’: In first public remarks, Erika Kirk warns Charlie’s killers they’ve ‘unleashed a fire’

Erika, the widow of Charlie Kirk, has spoken publicly for the first time since her husband’s death, delivering an emotional and at times fiery speech that was marred by technical interruptions.

Speaking from her late husband’s streaming studio, Erika broke down in tears as she addressed US President Donald Trump directly. “My husband loved you,” she sobbed, adding that she knew the president had shared that affection.

Her remarks mixed grief with calls for faith and action, urging people to “join a church” and keep her husband’s mission alive. The address was briefly interrupted by an intrusive advertisement that abruptly cut her off mid-sentence, leaving the widow visibly shaken.

Much of Erika’s message carried a religious undertone. She said Charlie was now “at the side of his lord and saviour” and “wearing a crown of a martyr,” insisting he was targeted for preaching “patriotism and God’s love.”

Through her tears, she issued a warning, “The evil doers responsible for my husband’s assassination have no idea what they have done. If you thought my husband’s mission was powerful before, you have no idea what you just unleashed across this entire country. You have no idea.”

She declared that her grief had become a rallying force: “You have no idea the fire you have ignited within this 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.”

Vowing to continue Charlie’s work, Erika pledged to carry forward his campus tours and podcast, which had attracted millions of followers. “My husband’s mission will not end, not even for a moment,” she said. “We’ll never surrender. Ever. Our campus tour this fall will continue. There will be even more tours in the years to come.”

Charlie Kirk, 31, a right-wing campaigner who co-founded the conservative group Turning Point USA and maintained close ties with President Trump, was fatally shot during an outdoor gathering at Utah Valley University.

Police have identified the accused gunman as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who was arrested earlier today after being turned in by relatives.