The wife of controversial right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk has spoken publicly for the first time since his death this week.

Erika Kirk has offered her gratitude to local, state and federal law enforcement for arresting a suspect in her husband’s killing.

The Trump ally was onstage during an event at a university in Utah on Thursday (Wednesday US time) when he was shot.

Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah man, has since been arrested by police over Kirk’s death.

Mrs Kirk said officers “worked tirelessly to capture my husband’s assassin so that he can be brought to justice”.

“I want to thank the first responders who struggled heroically to save Charles’ life and the police who acted bravely to make sure there were no other victims on that terrible afternoon.

“My heart is with every one of my husband’s employees who lost a friend and a mentor.”

Kirk’s body was flown to his home state of Arizona on Air Force Two this week.

Vice President JD Vance helped uniformed services members carry the coffin onto the plane.

Mrs Kirk thanked Vance and President Donald Trump for their support since the shooting.

“You guys honoured my husband so well, bringing him home,” she said.

“You both are tremendous.”

Mrs Kirk was also accompanied on the flight by Vance’s wife Usha.

In a direct address to Trump, she said her husband and the US President had a mutual admiration for each other.

“My husband loved you and he knew that you loved him too,” she said.

“Your friendship was amazing. You supported him so well, as did he for you.”