Erika Kirk, wife of activist Charlie Kirk, has announced that she has forgiven Tyler Robinson, who was arrested on charges of shooting and killing her husband.
President Donald Trump hugs Erika Kirk, wife of activist Charlie Kirk, on stage at a memorial service at State Farm Stadium in Arizona on September 21.
“My husband wanted to save young men like the one who took his life. I forgive that young man,” Erika Kirk, 36, choked up as she spoke to a crowd of more than 60,000 people at her late husband’s memorial service at State Farm Stadium in Arizona on September 21.
Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist, was shot and killed by Tyler Robinson, 22, while speaking at Utah Valley University in Utah on September 10. Kirk is a co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA and a key ally of President Donald Trump.
“I forgive him because that’s what God did. And that’s what Charlie would do. The answer to hate is not hate,” Erika added.
President Trump also attended the memorial. In a speech behind bulletproof glass, he praised Charlie Kirk for his “good heart” and “will to fight.”
According to the head of the White House, Kirk had told him about death threats. “He knew the risks, but he never backed down,” Trump said, accusing the violence of “mostly coming from the left.”
“He was like a missionary with a noble spirit and a noble purpose. Charlie did not hate his opponents and wanted the best for them. I disagree with Charlie on that point. I hate my opponents and do not want the best for them,” he added.
At the end of the speech, the President invited Erika back on stage and hugged her to cheers from the crowd.
Charlie Kirk is famous among young people for his heated and frank debates with students, especially liberals. The activist advocated for a Christian-centered, nationalist political ideology.
Kirk advocated conservative Christian political values and often made aggressive statements targeting minority groups, including transgender people, Muslims, African Americans, and others.
According to investigators, Robinson said he shot Kirk because the activist was “spreading hate.” Robinson faces seven charges in connection with Kirk’s shooting and could face the death penalty.
