What did Erika Kirk say about the man who assassinated her husband Charlie Kirk?

Erika Kirk gave a long, heartfelt speech during her late husband’s memorial. Charlie Kirk was assasinated on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University, where he was speaking to a crowd of students. Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old student of the institute, has been arrested for the murder.

Charlie Kirk’s memorial was on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Arizona. His wife, Erika Kirk, spoke about his passion for saving young souls.

“Hello, God bless all of you for coming here from all over the world to honor and celebrate my Charlie,” she began.

Erika Kirk described Charlie’s passion for speaking and spreading truth. She emphasized Charlie’s faith and how it has affected her thoughts towards the suspected killer. Erika also told the crowd that she has forgiven the 22-year-old suspect, Tyler Robinson

More details on Erika Kirk’s speech at Charlie Kirk’s memorial

Erika Kirk began her speech recalling one of Charlie’s impactful moments from 2023.

“Just a few miles from here, two years ago at America Fest 2023, Charlie delivered a speech on stage for our TPUSA faith event. Charlie loves speaking off the cuff. He was very good at that without a script. So I personally didn't know what he was going to say.”

She continued:

“And what he chose to speak about that day was his submission to the will of God. He quoted one of his favorite Bible verses, Isaiah 6:8, Here I am, lord, send me. After Charlie finished, I met him backstage and spoke to him. And I will never forget this. I said, Charlie, baby, please talk to me next time before you say that statement. Because when you say something like that, there is so much power in that verse. When you say, 'Here I am, Lord, use me,' God will take you up on that, and he did it with Charlie. Eleven days ago, God accepted that total surrender from my husband and then called him to his side.”

After an emotional moment, Erika Kirk revealed that she has forgiven Charlie’s murderer, stating that it was what her husband would have wanted.

“My husband, Charlie, wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life. That young man…on the cross our savior said, 'Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.' That man, that young man, I forgive him,” Erika burst into tears as she received a loud round of applause and a standing ovation.

She continued:

“I forgive him because it was what Christ did and is what Charlie would do. The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the gospel is love and always love. Love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.”

Notable individuals such as President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Elon Musk attended the memorial.

Read more: Charlie Kirk's memorial draws thousands and features President Trump and JD Vance as speakers

Read more: Charlie Kirk’s memorial service: Where to livestream, time, and more explored

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