Glendale, Arizona – Erica Kirk expressed her forgiveness for the man who killed her husband, Charlie, during a heartfelt and emotional speech that resonated with the audience, leaving many in tears on Sunday.
In her speech, she shared, “He wanted to save a young man, just like the one who took his life,” while wiping tears from her eyes.
“What Christ did was to forgive, and I forgive him,” she said.
“Hatred isn’t the answer. What we learn from the gospel is love—love for our enemies, love for those who hurt us.”
Clad in white, she struggled to maintain her composure as she applauded slowly, addressing the crowd of over 70,000. “You’ve blessed us all by being here from so many places to honor and celebrate my Charlie,” she added.
She spoke of her faith, saying, “When you say, ‘I’m here, Lord, use me,’ God responds. He did with Charlie.”
Reflecting on the tragic events, she mentioned, “Eleven days ago, God called Charlie to his side.”
Describing the painful moment of seeing her husband’s body at the hospital, she recalled, “I couldn’t imagine, standing there looking at the wounds that took his life.” Despite the tragedy, she remembered seeing a gray hair on his head and a slight smile on his lips. “In that moment, I experienced great mercy from God. I felt a sense of peace rather than pain,” she continued.
In a remarkable statement, Erica proclaimed that her husband was “ready to die,” sharing her interpretation of that readiness.
Speaking warmly about Charlie’s legacy, she noted his dedication to helping young men, emphasizing his desire to guide those who feel lost, purpose-less, or without faith. “He understood the struggles of youth in America and aimed to offer a new direction,” she explained.
When she mentioned her husband’s murderer, Tyler Robinson, she remained resolute. “That young man—like the Savior said on the cross, ‘My Father, forgive them for they know not what they do’—I forgive him,” she proclaimed, moving the audience to their feet, many shedding tears in response.
Erica later shared with the New York Times that Charlie had been wearing a St. Michael’s pendant when he was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10th. She revealed that the night before the incident, she had urged him to wear a bulletproof vest.
To which Charlie had optimistically replied, expressing confidence in his security measures and the university’s precautions.
