GLENDALE, Ariz. – In a powerful and emotional moment at the memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, his widow, Erika Kirk, publicly forgave the man accused of his assassination. The event, held Sunday at State Farm Stadium, drew a crowd of approximately 20,000 mourners.
Eleven days after Kirk’s death, Erika Kirk addressed the packed stadium and directly referenced the accused 22-year-old assassin, Tyler Robinson. Quoting the Bible, she stated, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” The gesture was met with widespread applause from the attendees.
Speakers at the service honored Charlie Kirk’s legacy, focusing on his founding of the conservative student organization Turning Point USA in 2012 and his work mentoring young conservatives. Erika Kirk announced plans to continue and expand upon that mission, revealing an initiative to broaden the organization’s outreach to at-risk youth.
The solemnity of the event inside the stadium was contrasted by tensions outside the venue. A small group of protesters gathered and engaged in heated exchanges with attendees arriving for the service.
The assassination has exposed deep partisan divisions in the country. A recent YouGov poll highlighted the split, showing that 68% of Republicans believe the killing was motivated by the suspect’s left-wing beliefs. In contrast, only 10% of Democrats shared that view.
