The widow of Charlie Kirk made a powerful and emotional gesture during her husband’s memorial service on September 21.
Kirk, the 31-year-old Turning Point USA founder, was fatally shot earlier this month while speaking at Utah Valley University. He leaves behind his wife, Erika, and their two young children.
His funeral was held at State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals, where tens of thousands gathered alongside figures such as Donald Trump, JD Vance, and grieving family members.
During her tribute, Erika lifted her left hand in a symbolic way—an American Sign Language gesture meaning “I love you.” By pointing it toward the sky, she sent a message to her late husband in heaven.
In her speech, she described Charlie as someone who lived life without regret, giving everything he had each day. Though his work was incomplete, she said, he left no unfinished business.
Erika also revealed she forgave Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing her husband, explaining it was an act of Christian faith. She emphasized that Charlie’s mission had always been to guide young men away from destructive paths, even those like his killer.
She concluded by announcing that she would take over as CEO and chairwoman of Turning Point USA, vowing to expand her husband’s vision. Trump also confirmed Kirk will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, while a surgeon later remarked that Kirk’s final moments “miraculously” saved lives.
