Erika Kirk, the widow of prominent political activist Charlie Kirk, made her first public remarks following his horrific death on Wednesday.

While he was hosting his signature “Prove Me Wrong” debate at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon, Charlie Kirk was shot to death from the rooftop of a nearby building on campus. President Donald Trump broke the news of Kirk’s at 4:40 p.m. EST on Wednesday evening.

After a two-day search, authorities arrested the suspect, a 22-year-old male named Tyler Robinson. A native of Washington, Utah, Robinson turned himself in at the advice of his father.

Two days after Charlie’s assassination, Erika Kirk courageously broke her silence on his death during a live YouTube stream. She started out by thanking law enforcement for apprehending the suspects, the first responders who tried to save Charlie and the police officers who made sure nobody else was harmed (transcriptions via Us Weekly):

“Charlie loved life. He loved his life, he loved America, he loved nature which always helped him closer to God. He loved the Chicago Cubs and my goodness did he love the Oregon Ducks.

Most of all Charlie loved his children and he loved me with all of his heart and I knew that everyday. He made sure I knew that everyday. Everyday he would ask me, ‘How can I serve you better? How can I be a better husband? How can I be a better father?’…He was a such a good man. He still is such a good man. He was the perfect father. He was the perfect husband.

Here me when I say this: nobody is ever too young to know the gospel. Nobody. Nobody is ever too young to get involved with saving this beautiful country This country, my husband loved and still loves and nobody is ever to old either, there’s no age limit. I know my husband is still here. He’s watching over us. I don’t remember the last time I slept. I couldn’t sleep last night.

Charlie baby, Charlie I promise I will never let your legacy die baby I won’t. I promise I’ll make [your non-profit] Turning Point USA the biggest thing this nation has ever seen,” she said. “Oh, Charlie I love you. I love you baby. Rest in the arms of our lord as he blankets you with the words I know your heart always strives to hear. Well done my good and faithful servant.”

Erika and Charlie tied the knot in 2021 and had two children together.

Charlie Kirk Rose To The Political Scene At Age 18

Kirk became a prominent voice in conservative politics at the age of 18 back in 2012, when he co-founded Turning Point USA. He spent the rest of his life promoting greater political education among young voters, specifically high school and post-secondary students.

Though Charlie Kirk created plenty of controversy with his hot takes, conspiracy theories and spreading of misinformation, he made it a goal to promote freedom of speech and healthy debates with people of all political parties.

Kirk built up a giant social media presence during Donald Trump’s first presidential run in 2016. He had over 5 million followers on X/Twitter and recorded over a billion views on his YouTube channel.

Many experts cited Kirk’s influence through social media as a key reason for Trump’s success with young voters in the 2024 presidential election.