Erica Kirk, CEO of Turning Point USA, firmly stated that the assassination of her husband, Charlie Kirk, was “not about guns,” while expressing her continued support for the Second Amendment.
She dismissed assertions that gun violence was the primary factor behind her husband’s murder. Instead, she pointed to underlying issues like mental health and a polarized political climate.
During her appearance at the New York Times Dealbook conference on Wednesday, she mentioned, “What I’ve realized through all of this is that there’s always the possibility of someone resorting to violence, and what I fear is that we live in a time where people believe violence is the answer because they don’t want to hear different points of view.”
“It’s not a gun issue. It’s a deep human issue, a spiritual issue. It’s a significant issue,” she added.
Erica also reaffirmed her belief in the right to bear arms, saying, “I wouldn’t wish what I went through on anyone, and I support the Second Amendment.”
Reflecting on her personal journey, she shared her decision to forgive the individual who shot her husband during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on September 10th.
She acknowledged, “I don’t expect everyone to understand.” She explained, “It’s not because you’re weak. It’s not because you think what the assassin did was right.” Instead, she described forgiveness as a way to liberate oneself from negativity, allowing for clarity and peace away from the burden of malice.
Following her husband’s death, former Miss Arizona USA Erica Kirk stepped in to lead Turning Point USA, the nonprofit organization he founded.
