Right-wing political activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk, tragically lost his life on September 10 during a stop on his American Comeback Tour at Utah Valley University. His wife, Erika Kirk, is now opening up about the emotional moment she saw him in the hospital shortly after the incident.
Nearly two months after Charlie’s assassination in Orem, Utah, Erika shared her experience during an interview with Fox News’ Jesse Watters. In the conversation, set to air in full on Wednesday evening, Erika became emotional as she described the sight of her husband lying in the hospital.
“When we walked into that room … he had this smirk on his face,” Erika said, describing the powerful impression it left on her.
She explained that she interpreted that expression as a final message from him: “‘You thought you could stop what I’ve built. You thought you could end this vision, this movement, this revival. You thought you could do that by murdering me. You got my body; you didn’t get my soul.'”
Charlie Kirk had been at Utah Valley University that day to host his well-known “Prove Me Wrong” table, where he engaged students in open political discussions. During the event, he was shot in the neck while responding to a student’s question about gun violence.
A spokesperson for Turning Point USA confirmed that he was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Shortly after, former President Donald Trump announced his death on social media.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump wrote. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us.”
Two days later, Erika publicly addressed the tragedy, reflecting on her husband’s dedication and legacy during a press conference.
“Charlie always said that when he was gone, he wanted to be remembered for his courage and for his faith,” Erika said. She added that above all, “Charlie loved his children, and he loved me with all of his heart.”
Expressing her grief, she continued, “I honestly have no idea what any of this means. I know that God does, but I don’t,” before extending gratitude to Trump, Charlie’s supporters, and his “dear friend” JD Vance.
In the week following his passing, Erika assumed the roles of CEO and board chairman of Turning Point USA — a move the organization confirmed had been discussed with Charlie Kirk before his death. In an open letter, members of the board wrote that “In prior discussions, Charlie Kirk expressed to multiple executives that this is what he wanted in the event of his death.”
