The sound of applause breaks through heavy silence as Americans gather to mourn and observe. Through the noise, Erika Kirk stands tall with silent tears rolling down her cheeks and prepares to offer a powerful message that is rarely seen in society today: forgiveness of one’s enemies.
On Sept. 10, 2025, Christian conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University during a Turning Point USA event. The tragic assassination of Charlie resulted in numerous tributes across the globe, including a memorial service which was held on Sept. 21, 2025. Over 90,000 people attended the memorial, worshiping Jesus Christ and remembering the life of Kirk. At the event, the widow spoke of the change in her life and how grateful she was for all of the support. Towards the end of her speech, she made the extremely merciful decision to forgive Charlie’s assassin, resulting in an uproar of emotions felt not only throughout the stadium, but worldwide.
When choosing to forgive Charlie’s assassin, Erika Kirk showed that she upholds Christian values during the easy and excruciating times in her life. Jesus never said being a daughter of Christ would be easy. Ruth, as a widow, experienced extreme poverty, social stigma and the decline of status as a foreigner with no means of support, yet she still chose to accept the difficult work with humility and grace. Sarah, the wife of Abraham, struggled with infertility; She chose to pray every day and never give up on the Lord’s plan for her family. Bathsheba, married to Uriah, experienced adultery by David, loss of her husband and child and societal pressure being subject to the king’s power; However, despite being victimized, she found redemption of her sin with David. These women are just a few of hundreds who didn’t have it easy. Erika Kirk exemplifies qualities of some of the holiest women in scripture, influencing young women who strive to be like her.
During Erika’s speech, she showed no fear; rather, compassion and gratitude towards her supporters through this difficult time in her life. In scripture, Jesus guides believers with a phrase so simple yet so complex: Do not be afraid. Jesus tells believers to never be fearful because he already won the battle on the cross. No one can take away our salvation as long as we trust and follow him. Erika showed that she knows she will one day be reunited with Charlie in eternity; therefore, there is no reason to be afraid of her surroundings. She truly walks by faith, and not by sight. [2 Corinthians 5:7]
In Matthew 5:44, Jesus teaches that believers should love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. When Erika quotes in her speech that she’s forgiving Charlie’s assassin because it’s what Jesus would have done, considering his last words on the cross were, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do,” she demonstrates her commitment to Christian morals.
In forgiving the man who took so much from her, Erika did so much more than show mercy– she offered a glimpse of divine love. In a world quick to condemn, she showed the promises of God, giving that man a chance at redemption through Christ.
