Charlie Kirk's heartbroken wife declares she forgives his killer as Trump brands right-wing activist an 'American giant'
Father-of-two Kirk was shot in the neck 20 minutes into a student-sponsored event at Utah Valley University in front of an audience of 3,000.
The wife of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk has said she forgives her husband’s alleged killer as thousands gathered for a memorial in Arizona.
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Speaking at the event, Donald Trump hailed Charlie Kirk as an “American giant who will live forever”.
The memorial service for Kirk, whom Trump credits with playing a pivotal role in his 2024 election victory, drew tens of thousands of mourners, including vice president JD Vance, other senior administration officials and young conservatives shaped by the 31-year-old firebrand.
Speakers highlighted Kirk's profound faith and his strong belief that young conservatives need to get married, build families and pass on their values to keep building their movement.
Read more: Barack Obama warns America has reached 'inflection point' after Charlie Kirk killing
Father-of-two Kirk was shot in the neck 20 minutes into a student-sponsored event at Utah Valley University in front of an audience of 3,000.
Kirk, who was known for holding outdoor debates on campuses across the US, was responding to a question from an audience member about mass shootings when a shot rang out.
Graphic footage shared online shows Kirk sustained a serious injury to his neck. Spectators can be seen screaming and running away after the shot was fired.
He was taken to hospital but just a few hours later President Trump announced Kirk's death on Truth Social.
As many as 100,000 people attended the memorial, with both Donald Trump and JD Vance addressing the crowd.
Towards the end of the service, heartbroken widow Erika Kirk said she forgives Charlie’s alleged killer, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson.
"On the afternoon of September 10th, I arrived at a Utah hospital to do the unthinkable: To look directly at my husband's murdered body," she said.
"I saw the wound that ended his life.
"Over these past 11 days through all the pain, never before have I found as much comfort as I do in the words of our Lord's Prayer, 'Thy Will Be Done'.
"God's love to me was revealed on the very day my husband was murdered," she said.
"Even in death I could see the man that I love, I saw the one single grey hair on the side of his head that I never told him about, now he knows....sorry baby....I also saw on his lips the faintest smile that told me something important.
"It revealed to me a great mercy from God to me in that tragedy. It told me that Charlie didn't suffer.
"It was something so instant that even if Charlie had been shot in the operating room itself, nothing could have been done."
Breaking down, she said: "He wanted to save young men.
"Just like the one who took his life.
"That young man...I forgive him.
"When you stop the dialogue, this is what happens.
"When we lose the ability to communicate you get violence."
She ended her tribute with: "I love you, Charlie, and I will make you proud."
Donald Trump took to the stage after Erika Kirk and pinned Charlie’s death on the “lunatic radical left” and declared he “hates” his political opponents.
The President confirmed Kirk would be awarded the Civilian Medal of Honour, the highest reward a civilian can receive.
America is a nation in "grief, shock and mourning," he said.
Charlie was a "giant of our nation" killed by a "radicalised cold-blooded murderer," he went on.
"Less than two weeks ago, our country was robbed of one of the brightest lights of our time.
"A giant of his generation, and above all, a devoted husband, father, son, Christian and patriot. Charles James Kirk was heinously murdered by a radicalised, cold-blooded monster for speaking the truth that was at his heart.
“He was violently killed because he spoke for freedom and justice, for God and country, for reason and for common sense.
"He was assassinated because he lived bravely, he led boldly, and he argued brilliantly without apology. He did what was right for our nation. And so, on that terrible day, September 10, 2025, our greatest evangelist for American liberty became immortal.
He's a martyr now for American freedom. I know I speak for everyone here today when I say that none of us will ever forget Charlie Kirk.
"And neither now will history. Because while Charlie has been reunited with his creator in heaven, his voice on earth will echo through the generations.
"And his name will live forever. In the eternal chronicle of America's greatest patriots. He will live forever."
He said that while Kirk never hated his opponents, he does, apologising to Charlie’s wife Erika.
"He was a missionary with a noble spirit and a great, great purpose: He did not hate his opponents, he wanted the best for them,” he said.
"That's where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponent and I don't want the best for them.
"I'm sorry. I am sorry, Erika. But now Erika can talk to me, and the whole group, and maybe they can convince me that that's not right.
"But I can't stand my opponent.
"Charlie's angry. Look at that, he's angry at me."
Trump said Kirk's alleged killer didn't only target him, but the American people.
"Charlie Kirk is bigger than ever before, he's eternal and we love him."