‘Never Surrender’: Widow Erika Kirk declares Charlie’s ‘voice will remain’

A resolute Erika Kirk addressed the nation Friday evening after the assassination of her husband Charlie on Wednesday, championing his faith and patriotism.

“Two days ago, my husband Charlie went to see the face of his Savior and his God,” Erika said, rosary in hand. “He wanted to be remembered for his courage and his faith … Now, and for all eternity, he will stand by his Savior’s side, wearing the glorious crown of a martyr.”

Charlie yearned for Americans to know the truth of the gospel, Erika said.

“Charlie loved his Savior with all his heart, and he wanted every one of you to know him too. He wanted everyone to know that ‘if they confess the Lord Jesus Christ, who rose from the dead, then they will be saved,’” she said, quoting Romans 10:9.

She encouraged his followers to join a “Bible-believing church,” and to fight the battle which is not “simply a political one,” but “above all, is spiritual.”

Erika also exhorted listeners to join a local TurningPoint USA chapter or to start one. She said one of Charlie’s mottos was “never surrender.”

“To everyone listening around America, the movement my husband built will not die. I refuse to let that happen. No one will ever forget my husband’s name, and I will make sure of it. It will become stronger, bolder, louder and greater than ever.”

She addressed the plotters of Charlie’s assassination, saying they have “no idea what [they’ve] unleashed.”

“You have no idea the fire you have ignited in this wife. The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry.” 

Charlie’s greatest love and deepest joy was being a husband and father, Erika said.

He wanted his followers to “experience heaven on earth through the love and joy of raising a family.” If Charlie ever held political office, Erika said, his top priority would be to “revive the American family.”

Charlie and Erika’s 3-year-old daughter asked her Thursday night, “Where’s Daddy?”

“How do you tell a three-year-old?” she asked. “Daddy loves you so much. He’s on a work trip with Jesus,” she answered with a smile.

“He is a good man,” she said, sharing how, every day, he asked how he could serve their family better.

“My husband laid down his life for me, for our nation, for our children,” Erika said, quoting one of his favorite Bible verses, Ephesians 5:25: “Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the Church and gave himself for her.”

“He showed the ultimate and true covenantal love,” she added.

Erika thanked law enforcement and first responders for their “heroic” actions in protecting all those present Sept. 10. She addressed the TPUSA board, who “lost a friend and mentor,” and thanked them for the stability they provided over the two days that followed his death.

“He loved what he did,” she said, choking up and resting her hand on Charlie’s empty chair, where he recorded his daily radio and YouTube show.

She specifically thanked Vice President J.D. Vance – a close friend of Charlie’s – and his “phenomenal” wife Usha for their presence, love and support. The Vances helped escort Charlie’s body from Utah to Arizona on Air Force Two.

“You honored my husband so well bringing him home,” she said. “You both are tremendous.”

She addressed President Donald J. Trump and his family with the same gratitude.

“Mr. President, my husband loved you, and he knew that you loved him too. Your friendship was amazing. You supported him so well, as did he for you.”

Erika said Charlie’s favorite word was “earn,” and Americans must work harder than ever to secure the future he imagined.

She pledged to continue the campus tours, the shows and the family-oriented “American Fest,” this year and in those to come.

“In a world filled with chaos, doubt and uncertainty, my husband’s voice will remain, and it will ring out louder and more clearly than ever,” she said. “His wisdom will endure.”

Erika detailed some of Charlie’s greatest loves – from his family to his country to his sports teams. In closing, she asked for God’s blessing on those watching and America.

“Charlie, I love you,” she whispered. “Rest in the arms of our Lord as he blankets you with the words I know your heart always strived to hear: ‘Well done my good and faithful servant.’”