Erika Kirk, widow of the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has shared her profound grief and resilience following the tragic assassination of her husband. As the new CEO of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), the nonprofit organization co-founded by Charlie to promote conservative politics in schools and on university campuses, Erika has provided an intimate insight into the anguish she has endured while continuing the organization’s mission.
**Why It Matters**
The revelation of Erika Kirk’s personal experience sheds light on the deep emotional toll of political violence in America. Charlie Kirk’s assassination has sparked widespread concerns about the rise of political violence and raised critical questions about the responsibility of social media companies regarding violent images circulating on their platforms. In response, some politicians are advocating for measures to restrict the publication of such graphic content online.
**What To Know**
Charlie Kirk was tragically killed during a stop on his American Comeback Tour at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. While speaking to the audience, a shooter positioned on a rooftop opened fire. The event was being filmed, and numerous students were recording on their phones. Within minutes, footage depicting Charlie Kirk being struck by a bullet, bleeding heavily from a neck wound, and slumping off his chair appeared across multiple social media feeds.
Reflecting on this, Erika Kirk told Fox News host Jesse Watters, “I never saw the video, I never will see it, I never want to see it; there are certain things you see in your life that you can never unsee.” She added, “There are certain things you see in your life that mark your soul forever. I don’t want my husband’s public assassination to be something I ever see, I don’t want my kids to ever see that.”
At the time of the shooting, Erika was in her mother’s hospital room in Phoenix when she received the devastating call. Despite a sheriff’s advice to the contrary, she insisted on seeing her husband’s body and described his expression as having “this knowing, Mona Lisa-like half-smile.”
In the aftermath, Erika Kirk has extended forgiveness to her husband’s killer and expressed opposition to the death penalty for the assailant. Her stance has helped to temper anger following the tragic event.
During an event honoring Charlie Kirk at the University of Mississippi on October 29, Erika reflected on what she called “the enemy.” She explained, “As I was coming to grips with my loss, I was starting to realize that the enemy, he doesn’t want you. He wants your territory. He wants your influence.” However, she did not specify exactly who she considers the enemy.
**What People Are Saying**
In her interview with Fox News, Erika Kirk addressed those who have viewed the violent footage, saying:
“And for people who actually enjoy watching that, which is quite literally sick, what if that was your father, or your brother or your sister? It’s a perspective shift there. We’re human, life is fragile and there is so much beauty in this world. Why would you waste any portion of your life looking at something so evil?”
**What Happens Next**
Despite her loss, Erika Kirk has committed to expanding TPUSA’s national outreach and campus presence. She aims to continue the organization’s advocacy for freedom of speech. TPUSA has announced ambitious plans to establish thousands of new chapters and is actively working to build new partnerships with pastors and congregations across the country.
Erika Kirk’s journey is one of profound personal grief and steadfast dedication to the cause her husband championed. As TPUSA moves forward under her leadership, the organization continues to play a significant role in shaping conservative discourse on college campuses nationwide.
https://www.newsweek.com/erika-kirk-says-shes-never-watched-charlies-assassination-videos-11000884
