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The assassination of Turning Point USA founder and CEO Charlie Kirk pierced the heart of the nation on Wednesday, Sept. 10. Conservative leaders, friends and followers have struggled to understand the senseless violence that robbed this world of a man who devoted his life to peaceful discourse with individuals who opposed his views. But in the wake of this awful mourning period, his wife, Erika Kirk, delivered a courageous address on Friday night.
She offered her heartfelt gratitude to those who share in her family’s pain and reminded everyone that love, faith and family give us strength in times of need.
She spoke of her husband’s love of life, his nation, nature and God. “But most of all, Charlie loved his children, and he loved me with all of his heart,” she said. “And I knew that. Every day I knew that.”
Mrs. Kirk described how he loved his followers and his work, and the overwhelming love being sent to her family from around the world in this difficult time. Her love for her husband emanated from her every movement, the sadness surrounding her, and her faith that her husband is now with her always.
She noted his dedication to helping people bring out the best in themselves through his faith and how his love of God led him to celebrate the joys of family that connect love and faith in harmony. “He wanted everyone to bring heaven into this earth through love and joy that comes from raising a family,” she stated. “It’s beautiful.”
Faith is the guiding force that aids us through grief in difficult times, and Mrs. Kirk displayed that through her brave words. She opened up about her sleepless nights and inability to understand why this happened, but she also stated that her faith assures her that this is part of God’s plan. She spoke of her young daughter and seeking to find a way to explain what happened to her young children.
So much has happened in a short period of time, and so many people are hurting because of it. That is the nature of violence. Terrorism and hatred seek to destroy our sense of faith by tearing apart families and turning loving hearts cold. The only way to combat it is through our love, faith and family connections.
Mrs. Kirk affirmed this when she stated, “They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith, and of God’s merciful love.”
She noted that his killer had no idea how Charlie Kirk’s assassination would ignite a stronger movement. But it has. Everywhere, Americans are speaking up and expressing their love for a man who chose to exercise his First Amendment rights and engage young Americans in respectful political discourse. Charlie Kirk helped people find their faith and seek out the simple joy of life.
“No one will ever forget my husband’s name, and I will make sure of it,” Mrs. Kirk declared after announcing that Turning Point USA will continue its fall campus tour, AmericaFest Conference and Charlie Kirk’s show. She urged everyone to join their cause and summed up his mission of “making heaven crowded.”
She vowed, “My husband’s mission will not end, not even for a moment.”
