Washington, D.C. — Erika Kirk, the wife of Charlie Kirk, has spoken publicly for the first time since the shocking death of her husband – the founder of Turning Point USA, who was assassinated while delivering a speech at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10.

In an emotional livestream on Friday evening, Erika began by thanking local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies for their swift action in capturing her husband’s assassin.

“Charlie Kirk is my husband. I want to thank law enforcement who worked tirelessly to bring his killer to justice,” she said through tears.

“Charlie Is a Martyr”

During her address, Erika described her husband as a martyr of faith. She shared that in his final days, Charlie remained true to the mission he always believed in—openly bearing witness to his faith.

“Two days ago, my husband went to meet his Savior. Charlie always said that when he was gone, he wanted to be remembered for his courage and his faith. Now, he stands at his Savior’s side, wearing the glorious crown of a martyr.”

A Loss Beyond Words

Erika broke down several times while speaking about the depth of her loss.

“My husband laid down his life for me, for our nation, for our children. He showed the truest form of covenantal love. I will never be able to put this pain into words.”

She admitted that she doesn’t yet understand the meaning behind such a tragedy but believes her husband—and God—do.

A Vow to Continue His Legacy

Toward the end of her speech, Erika vowed to carry on Charlie’s mission and ensure that the movement he founded would not fade.

“The cries of this widow will echo across the world like a battle cry. The movement my husband built will not die. All of us will make it stronger, bolder, louder, and greater than ever. No one will ever forget Charlie Kirk’s name, and I will make sure of that.”

Suspect Arrested

Later on Friday, former President Donald Trump revealed during a Fox News interview that a suspect had been taken into custody “with a high degree of certainty.” The Associated Press soon confirmed the news, identifying the suspect as Tyler Robinson, 22, of Utah.

Robinson is currently in custody and awaiting formal charges related to the assassination.