Emotional memorial for Charlie Kirk as Erika Kirk delivers tearful tribute
Widow describes heartbreak, faith and revival as supporters flock to State Farm Stadium for the conservative activist's memorial
Erika Kirk delivered an emotional tribute Sunday to her husband, conservative activist Charlie Kirk, at a memorial in State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, and was seen mouthing 'I love you' to him moments before addressing the crowd.
She described the moment she found his body and said she faced a 'level of heartbreak I didn't even know existed.' 'I felt shock, I felt horror,' she told the audience, adding that 'even in death I could see the man that I love.'
"Even if Charlie had been shot in the operating room, nothing could have been done." The audience broke out into massive applause after Erika said Charlie joined his savior, Jesus Christ, in paradise. Erika also gave thanks to Second Lady Usha Vance for comforting her in the moments following Kirk's murder. 'We didn't see violence, we didn't see rioting,' Erika said. 'We didn't see revolution. Instead we saw what my husband always prayed we would see in this country. We saw revival!'
With tears streaming across her face, she praised Americans for turning towards the church for the first time in decades following her husband's death. 'Even though Charlie died too early, he was ready to die,' Erika continued. 'Charlie died with incomplete work, but not unfinished business.' She also revealed that Charlie, throughout their marriage, would write her love notes with the question: 'How can I better serve you as a husband?' 'I was Charlie’s confidant,' Erika said with sadness in her voice.
The event included a moment of tribute to the legacy of Charlie Kirk as supporters gathered in the State Farm Stadium. The new Turning Point USA CEO was greeted with a standing ovation, with shouts of 'we love you' as they entered the arena. Tens of thousands of supporters attended to honor Kirk after his assassination earlier this month, underscoring the size and reach of the conservative activist’s movement. The event reflected a mix of solemn remembrance and rallying support for the organization and its mission moving forward.