For the first time since the tragic death of her husband, Erika Kirk stepped forward to speak publicly — and emotionally — about his life, his legacy, and what comes next.

Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has made her first public statement since her husband’s death. Speaking at a press briefing, Erika expressed gratitude to first responders, investigators, and public officials who supported her after Wednesday’s fatal shooting.

She specifically thanked President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance for their outreach during the difficult time. “Mr. President, my husband loved you, and he knew that you loved him, too,” Erika said, fighting back tears. “He did. Your friendship was amazing. You supported him so well, as did he for you.”

Erika shared that Charlie often spoke about how he wanted to be remembered — not just as a political figure, but as a man of faith and courage. She pledged to carry on his work through Turning Point USA, the organization he founded and led.

“Charlie, I promise I will never let your legacy die, baby,” she said. “I promise I’ll make Turning Point USA the biggest thing that this nation has ever seen.” In her closing remarks, Erika spoke about Charlie’s deep commitment to their family, saying he had loved their children and her, with all his heart, and that she had always known it.

Erika also shared a personal moment with their three-year-old daughter, Gigi, who has begun to ask questions about her father’s absence.

“When I got home last night, Gigi, our daughter, just ran into my arms,” Erika said. “And she goes, ‘Where’s daddy?’ I said, ‘Baby, daddy loves you so much. Don’t you worry. He’s on a work trip with Jesus so he can afford your blueberry budget.’”

We previously reported, on September 12, that Erika was seen in public for the first time since her husband was gunned down in a shocking act of violence at a Utah Valley University event on September 10. Her sighting drew an outpouring of empathy from the public.

A Nation Watches as Grieving Widow Emerges

Charlie, the bold and controversial founder of Turning Point USA, had been seated among supporters when a bullet tore into the side of his neck, leaving the audience stunned and horrified. Despite emergency efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries — a tragic end to a life that had stirred national debates.

Just days after his brutal killing, Erika emerged for the first time, her presence both heart-wrenching and brave as the Kirk family prepared to say their final goodbyes.

US Vice President JD Vance made a solemn journey to Utah to honor his fallen friend, Charlie. In a deeply moving gesture of loyalty, he then accompanied Charlie’s casket to Arizona aboard Air Force Two, where the late activist will be laid to rest.

In a powerful video clip that has since gone viral, the Vice President’s wife, Second Lady Usha Vance, was seen reaching out to hold Erika’s hand as they descended the aircraft’s stairs. Erika appeared overcome, her pain etched into her body language.

Dressed in black and hidden behind dark sunglasses, both Erika and Usha walked side by side, solemn and united, while JD followed silently behind.

‘She’s So Broken’: Viewers React to Erika’s Pain

The raw, emotional scene triggered a cascade of empathy and heartbreak from viewers across the nation. One person could hardly bear the sight, writing, “So heartbreaking 💔 how is she even walking? Because God is holding her up.” Another netizen offered a prayerful note of support, “God bless her. Usha is holding her from absolutely collapsing.”

A fan tenderly highlighted the bond between the two women, “Usha holding Erika’s hand 🥺♥️.” Someone else reflected on the gesture, “I think that she reached out for Usha’s hand says [sic] a lot about both of them.” An individual admired Usha’s kindness, saying, “Usha is a very sweet person and I’m glad she is there with JD for Erika.”

Other people saw Erika’s visible pain, with one remarking, “Her body language says everything. Poor girl. She’s so broken. She looks so lost and exhausted.” A similar thought was echoed, “Her body language shows her pain.” And finally, a fan summed up the collective grief with, “Omg!! She’s so broken! My heart hurts.”

A Bond Forged in Politics, Honored in Grief

The connection between JD and Charlie ran deep. Charlie had been one of his most vocal champions. He strongly advocated for him to be US President Donald Trump’s running mate in the 2024 elections.

Even in the aftermath of tragedy, the Vice President has carried himself with deep respect for Charlie, honoring their bond in death as in life. He helped to bear Charlie’s casket before it was taken to the plane for the journey to Arizona.

Trump Speaks Out as Investigation Progresses

Meanwhile, Trump has also spoken out about the tragedy. While taking questions on the White House lawn on September 12, he said he had spoken with Erika, describing her as “absolutely devastated” by her husband’s loss.

Trump added that he had been informed authorities were making “big progress” in the search for the shooter. He also noted that he has an indication of the shooter’s motive but would share those details with the public at a later time.

As for now, the Salt Lake City Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is still hunting the suspect behind the death of Charlie. With the killer still at large, investigators have released photos and are urgently appealing for more videos, images, or information from the public — offering a reward for crucial tips.

On September 11, 2025, the FBI Salt Lake City released surveillance photos on X showing a man wearing a dark cap, sunglasses, and a black long-sleeve shirt with an American flag graphic.

He was captured from different angles, walking up a stairwell, moving down a hallway, standing near railings, and carrying a black backpack.

According to the agency’s website, they are offering up to a $100,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and identification of the person/s involved in the fatal shooting. Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or through the FBI’s online portal.

Alongside their appeal to the public, investigators also revealed significant progress in the case. In a press statement, FBI Salt Lake City Field Office Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls said a high-powered rifle was recovered in a wooded area where the suspect reportedly fled after the shooting.

“This morning, I can tell you that we have recovered what we believe is the weapon used in yesterday’s shooting,” Bohls said. The firearm is now being examined at the FBI Laboratory.

Agents also recovered additional physical evidence from the same location, including a footwear impression, palm print, and forearm imprints. The public has submitted more than 130 tips, which are being reviewed alongside the forensic evidence.

“All leads and tips are being fully investigated,” Bohls added. “The FBI has brought every resource to bear, and we will continue to do so throughout the course of this investigation.”

Though the suspect’s motive remains unclear, investigators say the case carries broader implications. Bohls emphasized that the FBI’s mission is not only to protect the American people but also to uphold the U.S. Constitution.

“Any attack on the First Amendment is an attack on the very foundation of our democracy,” Bohls said. “That is why we will relentlessly pursue this case until the shooter is in custody.”

As previously reported, Charlie was gunned down in front of a live audience, in a moment so sudden, so brutal, that it left the crowd screaming. Just moments earlier, he was fielding questions about mass shootings in the U.S., unaware that his final words would be etched into history.

Tense Exchange Unfolds Moments Before Chaos Erupts

The shocking incident, caught on video, shows the conservative commentator locked in a tense exchange with a member of the audience who raised a controversial question. He asked Charlie how many transgender Americans were disproportionately responsible for mass shootings.

Calm and composed, Charlie responded bluntly, “Too many.” The same audience member pressed further, claiming the number of transgender mass shooters was just five.

He went on to ask another question that would become chillingly prophetic, “Do you know how many mass shooters there have been in America over the last 10 years?”

Without missing a beat, Charlie shot back with what would become his final words, “Counting or not counting gang violence?” Seconds later, a sharp pop pierced the air, and all hell broke loose.

The crowd screamed in terror as Charlie Kirk recoiled violently in his seat, struck by a bullet in front of the stunned audience. Now, it remains a wait-and-see moment as authorities hope someone will come forward with information to help them capture the shooter.