In the wake of the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, his wife, Erika Kirk, has opened up about the chilling warning she gave her husband just hours before he was fatally shot at Utah Valley University. The emotional conversation between the couple sheds light on Erika’s deep concerns about Charlie’s safety, which were tragically realized just days later.
Erika’s Concerns Before the Tour
In an exclusive interview with The New York Times, Erika Kirk revealed the conversations she had with her husband before he embarked on his campus tour across the United States. Charlie, a prominent conservative commentator and the founder of Turning Point USA, had been preparing for a series of debates with young people, a mission he treated with the utmost seriousness—comparable to the intensity of the Olympics. He was enthusiastic about engaging with college students and believed that his platform could influence the next generation of thinkers.
However, Erika had growing concerns about the dangers that came with her husband’s outspoken political views. Over the past year, Charlie had received numerous death threats, and his security team had become a regular part of his travels. In light of these threats, Erika and a friend, who was a faith leader, sat down for dinner with Charlie in Phoenix. During this dinner, Erika expressed her concerns about her husband’s safety and urged him to take extra precautions.
The Heartfelt Warning
During the dinner, Erika suggested that Charlie start wearing a bulletproof vest for his protection, and the friend went a step further, recommending that Charlie speak from behind a bulletproof glass to ensure his safety during public events. Despite their concerns, Charlie remained reluctant to adopt these safety measures. He reassured Erika and their friend that he felt confident in his security team and that there would be additional security at the upcoming events.
Erika recalled that Charlie’s response was simply, “Not yet.” He had always been a man of courage and conviction, and he was determined to press on with his mission despite the risks. However, Erika’s concerns were not easily shaken. She had already begun to fear that Charlie might have “surrendered to the prospect” of his life being cut short, recognizing that his work had made him a target.
A Tragic Change of Plans
Erika’s presence at the Utah event, where Charlie was eventually killed, was originally part of their plans. However, at the last minute, Erika had to stay behind in Phoenix due to her mother undergoing medical treatment on the same day. She explained that Charlie had urged her to stay, saying, “Home needs you,” and reassured her that they would be able to join him on the next leg of the tour in Colorado. Tragically, this would be the last conversation they had before his death.
The decision not to attend the event with Charlie now holds an even deeper significance for Erika, as it marks the last time she spoke to him before his untimely death. In the aftermath of his passing, Erika has reflected on her husband’s unwavering commitment to his mission, even in the face of personal danger.
Erika’s Powerful Act of Forgiveness
In a deeply moving moment at Charlie’s memorial service on September 21, Erika Kirk revealed that she had forgiven the young man who killed her husband, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson. Robinson was arrested and charged by the FBI in connection with Charlie’s murder. In her speech, Erika described the emotional toll of losing her husband but also shared her decision to forgive his killer, citing her Christian faith as the foundation of her forgiveness.
Erika poignantly referenced the words of Jesus Christ on the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” She explained that, in the same way Christ forgave those who persecuted him, she too had forgiven Robinson. “The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the gospel is love, and always love—love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us,” she said.
Erika’s ability to forgive the person who took her husband’s life is a testament to her strength and unwavering faith. It also serves as a powerful reminder of the healing power of love and forgiveness, even in the face of unimaginable pain.

Erika announced that she forgives Charlie’s murderer, speaking at his funeral (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Charlie Kirk’s Legacy
Though Charlie Kirk’s life was tragically cut short, his work and influence continue to resonate with his supporters and the many young people he inspired through his advocacy. Erika’s commitment to carrying on Charlie’s legacy through her leadership at Turning Point USA is a testament to the lasting impact he had on the conservative movement and the thousands of students he mentored.
In the wake of his death, Erika has vowed to carry the torch for her husband’s mission, ensuring that his work is not left unfinished. As she continues to honor his memory, Erika’s strength and resilience have become a symbol of hope, showing that even in the darkest of times, love and faith can help guide the way forward.
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Erika Kirk’s strength, grace, and forgiveness are a reminder to all of us that love and faith can provide the strength needed to face even the most heartbreaking challenges. Charlie’s legacy will continue through Erika’s work, and his impact on the conservative movement and young people will be felt for years to come.