'I will never let your legacy die' - Charlie Kirk's widow gives tearful address after shooting

September 13, 2025

Erika Kirk delivered an emotional address following the fatal shooting of her husband, Charlie Kirk, during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. Standing beside her husband's empty chair at Turning Point USA headquarters, she expressed gratitude to first responders and vowed that her husband's mission would continue with even greater force. She revealed that Charlie Kirk's campus tour and podcast would continue, while sharing heartbreaking details about explaining his death to their young children.

Who is affected

Erika Kirk (Charlie Kirk's widow) and their two young children (a one-year-old son and three-year-old daughter)
Turning Point USA organization and its staff
Young conservative supporters and followers of Charlie Kirk
President Trump and Vice President JD Vance, who were close allies of Kirk
The broader conservative movement, particularly youth-focused initiatives

What action is being taken

Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance traveled to Utah to retrieve Kirk's casket and transport it to Phoenix on Air Force Two
President Trump is awarding Charlie Kirk a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom
Turning Point USA is continuing operations and maintaining Kirk's mission
Kirk's university campus tour is being continued throughout autumn and beyond
Kirk's podcast will continue production despite his death

Why it matters

Charlie Kirk was a major figure in mobilizing young conservative voters for Trump's return to the White House
At 31, Kirk was viewed as the future of American conservatism with significant influence among young people
Kirk founded Turning Point USA at 18 and built it into a powerful conservative organization
His death represents the loss of an influential voice in American political discourse, particularly in reaching college-aged conservatives
The shooting occurred during a political event, raising concerns about violence against political figures

What's next

Charlie Kirk's tour of US university campuses will continue throughout autumn and in years to come
His podcast will continue production
President Trump will formally award Kirk the posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom

Read full article from source: BBC