Charlie Kirk memorial updates: 'I forgive him,' Erika Kirk says of alleged shooter
President Trump called Kirk "immortal" and speakers called him a "martyr."
Charlie Kirk was remembered as a "martyr" and "warrior" by some of the leading lights of the conservative movement, the Trump administration, friends as well as his grieving widow during a packed memorial service in Arizona Sunday.
As President Trump and others noted, the service felt more like a "revival" rather than a memorial, and Kirk's connection to and efforts for his Christian faith were on full display throughout. Kirk was recalled for the movement among young conservatives that he helped spark, his willingness to debate and his fearlessness in the face of threats.
In a poignant moment, Kirk's widow, Erika said that she forgives her husband's alleged assassin.
Kirk, 31, founded Turning Point USA at age 18 and rose to become one of the most prominent conservative voices in the country. His influence, particularly with young people, helped propel Trump to office. But some of his comments on gun violence, LGBTQ issues, race and more often drew criticism from liberals and others.
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Charlie Kirk wanted to 'save young men, just like the one who took his life,' his widow says
Erika Kirk said her husband, Charlie Kirk, "Wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life."
"The answer to hate is not hate," Erika Kirk said.
She said she forgives Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect who was charged for allegedly killing Charlie Kirk.
"That young man, I forgive him," she said as she was holding back tears.
Erika Kirk says husband's 'greatest cause' was 'trying to revive the American family'
Erika Kirk said in her remarks that the "greatest cause in Charlie's life was trying to revive the American family."
"When he spoke to young people, he was always eager to tell them about God's vision for marriage and how if they could just dare to live it out, it would enrich every part of their life in the same way that it enriched ours," she said.
She then shared personal stories of their marriage, saying she was his "closest and most trusted adviser, his best friend."
Erika Kirk says she experienced heartache she 'didn't know existed' when she saw husband's body
While speaking at her husband's memorial service, Erika Kirk gave a glimpse into the moment when she saw Charlie Kirk's body on Sept. 10, saying she experienced a "level of heartache I didn't even know existed."
She said she saw the "faintest smile" on his lips, telling her that "Charlie didn't suffer" and that there was no "fear" or "agony" when he died.
Erika Kirk takes the stage
Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, wiped tears from her eyes as she began addressing the thousands of people gathered at State Farm Stadium.
"I bless all of you for coming here from all over the world to honor and celebrate my Charlie," she said.