Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika, says at memorial 'I forgive him' - of the gunman accused of killing her husband in cold blood.
"On the cross , our Savior said, 'Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.' And that man, I forgive him," and she wept as the crowd rose to their feet out of respect. "I forgive him because it was what Christ did... and it's what Charlie would do. The answer to hate is not hate. The answer, we know, is from the Gospel - love, and always love. Love for our enemies. And love for those who persecute us."
When asked by a reporter why Kirk was killed, Elon Musk, near tears, replied, "He was killed because his words made a difference. Because he was showing people the light. And he was killed by the dark."
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — President Donald Trump praised Charlie Kirk as a “great American hero” and “martyr” for freedom as he and other prominent leaders gathered Sunday evening to honor the slain conservative political activist whose work they say they must now advance.
The memorial service for Kirk, whom Trump credits with playing a pivotal role in his 2024 election victory, drew tens of thousands of mourners, including Vice President JD Vance, other senior administration officials and young conservatives shaped by the 31-year-old firebrand.
“He’s a martyr now for America’s freedom,” Trump said in his tribute. “I know I speak for everyone here today when I say that none of us will ever forget Charlie. And neither now will history.”
Speakers highlighted Kirk’s profound faith and his strong belief that young conservatives need to get married, build families and pass on their values. They also repeatedly told conservative activists, sometimes in confrontational tones, that the best way to honor Kirk was doubling down on his mission to move American politics.
“For Charlie, we will remember that it is better to stand on our feet defending the United States of America and defending the truth than it is to die on our knees,” Vance said. “My friends, for Charlie, we must remember that he is a hero to the United States of America. And he is a martyr for the Christian faith.”
