Erika Kirk, CEO of Turning Point USA, reaffirmed her support for the Second Amendment during a recent conference hosted by the New York Times. Speaking on September 10, 2023, the day marking the anniversary of her husband Charlie Kirk‘s assassination, she emphasized that the tragedy was not caused by gun violence but rather by deeper societal issues.
In her address, Kirk stated, “What I’ve realized through all of this is that you can have individuals that will always resort to violence.” She expressed concern about a growing culture where violence is perceived as a solution to differing viewpoints. This reflects her belief that the root of the problem lies in human behavior rather than firearms themselves.
Charlie Kirk was killed while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. The alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson, has been charged with aggravated murder, and prosecutors in Utah are seeking the death penalty for the 22-year-old. In the wake of her husband’s death, Erika Kirk assumed leadership of Turning Point USA, the organization he founded in 2012.
Kirk articulated her view that the issues surrounding violence are fundamentally human. “That’s not a gun problem, that’s a human — deeply human — problem. That is a soul problem, that is a mental issue,” she asserted, according to reports from the New York Post. She also shared her personal pain, stating, “I wouldn’t wish upon anyone what I have been through, and I support the Second Amendment as well.”
In the weeks following Charlie’s death, Erika Kirk has participated in various media interviews, including discussions with Fox News host Jesse Watters. During these conversations, she reflected on her grief and the impact of reliving the day she learned about her husband’s shooting. On another occasion, she appeared on Megyn Kelly‘s show, where she revealed her decision to not harbor anger towards her husband’s alleged assassin. She noted that anger would detract from her focus on continuing her husband’s legacy.
“The enemy would love for me to be angry,” Kirk told Kelly. “He would love it because it would distract me from building what Charlie entrusted to me: raising our babies, Turning Point, being there for the team. … If I had any amount of anger in my heart then the Lord would not be able to use me.”
Through her leadership, Erika Kirk seeks to honor her husband’s mission while addressing broader societal issues related to violence and mental health. Her commitment to the Second Amendment remains steadfast, even as she navigates the complexities of her personal tragedy.
