Erica Kirk on her husband's killer: "I forgive him"

Erica Kirk at the memorial service for her husband. Photo: The Washington Post

On 21 September 2025, a memorial ceremony for Charlie Kirk was held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, attended by tens of thousands of people, including the top leadership of the United States.

At the service for her husband, Erica Kirk said that she forgives the man who shot Charlie, and she broke down in tears.

She said her husband’s mission had been focused on reaching young people searching for their way in life.

“Charlie passionately wanted to reach and save the lost boys of the West. The young men who feel like they have no direction, no purpose, no faith, and no reason to live. The men wasting their lives on distractions and the men consumed with resentment, anger, and hate. Charlie wanted to help them.” Erica said. "He wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life,' she added.

She recalled Christ’s words spoken on the Cross.

“On the cross, our Savior said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they not know what they do,’” she continued. “That young man. I forgive him. 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.”

Thousands rose to their feet and wept with Erica.

Earlier, the UOJ analyzed the reasons behind Charlie Kirk’s murder.

Read also