Erika Kirk shares how she told her children about Charlie Kirk’s murder
Widow of conservative activist turns to Usha Vance for guidance as she faces the painful task of explaining her husband’s death to their young kids.
After Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University, his widow Erika Kirk faced the unimaginable challenge of telling their children that their father was gone. Seeking help, she reached out to Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance, for advice.
Charlie Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on Wednesday, September 10, during a campus event in Utah. Authorities say the suspected gunman, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, may have been radicalized online and is now awaiting capital murder charges. Investigators noted that the bullets recovered from the scene were marked with anti-fascist messages.
Behind the national headlines, Erika Kirk must now raise their two children—a three-year-old daughter and an infant son—without their father. Speaking at a press conference, she described the painful conversation she had with her daughter:
“What do you tell a three-year-old? She’s three,” Erika said. “I told her, ‘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.’”
Support from the Vance family
In the days following the shooting, Vice President JD Vance revealed that his wife, Usha, had been a source of comfort for Erika. “My wife told me, ‘Erika asked me for advice on how she should tell her children that their father had been murdered,’” Vance said while hosting The Charlie Kirk Show.
On September 12, Usha Vance and Erika were seen walking hand-in-hand off Air Force Two, escorting Charlie’s casket home. According to a professional lip reader, Usha quietly reassured her: “Let’s walk slowly… together.”
Remembering Charlie Kirk
Charlie and Erika met in 2018, married in 2021, and became parents soon after. Erika described her late husband as a man of faith, courage, and deep love for his family. “Charlie always said that when he was gone, he wanted to be remembered for his courage and for his faith,” she said.
She also announced that his political initiative, The American Comeback Tour, will continue later this year: “I honestly have no idea what any of this means. I know that God does, but I don’t.”
The investigation and suspect
Authorities identified Tyler Robinson as the alleged shooter. Officials said he was influenced by extremist online groups and described his actions as motivated by “leftist ideology.” He is expected to be formally charged on Tuesday, September 16, and could face the death penalty.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed that Robinson’s family cooperated with law enforcement after a relative came forward with information.
Carrying forward his legacy
Erika Kirk expressed gratitude to those who have supported her family, including President Donald Trump, the Vances, and countless supporters who wrote to Charlie during his career.
“Most of all, Charlie loved his children, and he loved me with all of his heart,” Erika said. “My husband laid down his life for me, for our nation, for our children.”
As the country continues to mourn, Erika’s focus remains on protecting her children while keeping her husband’s memory alive.
