Who is Erika Kirk? Widow of Charlie Kirk speaks at his memorial

Meet Erika Kirk: Charlie Kirk's Widow Honors Him at Memorial Service

The widow of Charlie Kirk has vowed to continue his work.

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, delivered a keynote speech at a memorial honoring the conservative activist in Arizona on Sunday.

Charlie Kirk was fatally shot while giving a talk at a Utah college campus on September 10. A 22-year-old individual, Tyler Robinson, has been detained in connection with his death.

In her speech, Erika Kirk shared that amidst her sorrow, she finds solace knowing her husband departed this life without regrets. She also expressed forgiveness towards the individual accused of causing his death.

“My husband, Charlie, aimed to help young men, just like the one who ended his life,” stated Erika Kirk, who is stepping in as Turning Point’s new leader. She further commented, “I forgive him.”

Watch the full speak above.

Tens of thousands of people attended the memorial at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. 

Erika Kirk joined other speakers, including President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance.

Who is Erika Kirk?

The former Erika Frantzve was born November 11, 1983 in Arizona, according to an early article.

Erika played basketball during her time at Regis University, as noted on her website. She holds an undergraduate degree in political science and international relations from Arizona State University and a Juris Master’s from Liberty University School of Law, which she earned in 2019.

She was crowned Miss Arizona USA in 2012.

According to her website, Kirk is the founder and CEO of the clothing line PROCLAIM and a ministry program named BIBLEin365. She also hosted a podcast called “Midweek Rise Up”.

According to a New York Times article, Erika met Charlie at a Turning Point USA event in 2018. That’s the organization Charlie Kirk founded to mobilize young, Christian conservatives.

She announced her engagement to Charlie Kirk in December 2020, and they were married on May 8, 2021. The couple had two children, a 3-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son.

Since Charlie Kirk’s death, Erika Kirk has vowed to continue his work.

On Sept. 18, she was named leader of Turning Point USA.

“No one will ever forget my husband’s name and I will be sure of it,” Erika Kirk said days after his death.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.     

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