Erika Kirk, the wife of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, gave her first public comment on Friday after her husband was assassinated at an event at Utah Valley University (UVU) on Wednesday. She vowed that she "won't let his legacy die."
Talking from the office where Charlie recorded his podcast, Erika outlined his passions: he loved America, the outdoors, and the Chicago Cubs.
"But above all, Charlie cherished his children, and he cherished me with all his heart," she tearfully replied.
She thanked law enforcement officers "who worked day and night to apprehend my husband's killer" and directed her words toward the murderers of the killing without referring to Tyler Robinson, who was in custody for the 31-year-old activist's murder.
"You have no clue the flame that you have burned inside this wife. The howls of this widow will resound around the globe like a war cry," Erika, who wed Charlie in 2021 and has a three-year-old daughter and one-year-old son, said.
She also expressed gratitude to past President Donald Trump, pointing out her husband's respect for him, and promised to continue Charlie's activities, such as his campus tour, radio program, and podcast.
"You supported him so well, as did he for you," she said to Trump.
Erika had a poignant moment with their daughter the evening before the tragedy.
"'Where's daddy?'"
the daughter said.
"What do you say to a three-year-old?" Ms. Kirk remembered.
"'Baby, daddy loves you so much. Don't you worry. He's on a work trip with Jesus so he can pay for your blueberry budget,' " she said.
Speaking directly to her deceased husband, Erika pledged, "I promise I will never let your legacy die." She pledged to turn his cause "the biggest thing this nation has ever seen."
"In a world filled with chaos, doubt and uncertainty, my husband's voice will remain," she added.
Charlie Kirk, a leading figure in mobilizing young voters for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential campaign, was assassinated by one gunshot from a rooftop as he addressed the stage during an outdoor campus rally with 3,000 attendees.
A bolt-action rifle, which is suspected to have been used, was later found nearby.
Trump labeled the shooting as a "heinous assassination."
Tyler Robinson, who is the suspect, was arrested last Thursday evening, about 33 hours since the attack. Utah Governor Spencer Cox said in explanation that authorities were informed by a relative and a family friend after Robinson had confessed or "implied that he had" committed the murder.
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