Erika Kirk, the widow of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk, has lived much of her adult life in the public eye – first as Miss Arizona USA, later as a ministry leader and entrepreneur, and most recently as a wife and mother who shared her husband’s outspoken Christian faith. Their love story, rooted in prayer and purpose, shaped not only their marriage but the movement he built, a legacy she now carries forward after his death.

Hours before her life changed forever, Erika Kirk, posted a Bible verse, Psalm 46:1, which says: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” 

A baptized Catholic who attended Notre Dame Preparatory High School in Scottsdale, Arizona, Erika Kirk currently hosts a podcast called “Midweek Rise Up.” It’s described on her website as a devotional series released every Wednesday, along with Monday Meditations, “to provide you that deep breath of, ‘God’s got this.’” 

The website says each episode “is intentionally and prayerfully crafted with words of encouragement to push you, Biblical leadership to challenge you, and God-breathed Scripture to posture your heart for the best that’s yet to come.”

Despite her accomplishments in the worlds of faith, fashion and pageants, Erika emphasized that her priorities in life included being a wife and mother.

“Above all, Erika cherishes her role as the wife of Charlie Kirk and the mother of their precious son and daughter,” her biography on her website reads. “As she continues to grow in her ministry, leadership, and entrepreneurial endeavors, Erika remains committed to inspiring others to live with purpose, rooted in faith and driven by the love of Christ in every aspect of life.”

Erika Kirk spoke for the first time since the assassination of her husband, Charlie Kirk, at Turning Point USA on Sept. 12, 2025. (Courtesy: Turning Point USA)

On Friday, Erika broke her silence and gave a moving statement on camera while standing next to the empty chair in which Charlie recorded his podcast.

“Two days ago, my husband, Charlie, went to see the face of his savior and his God,” she said through tears. “And one of the final conversations that he had on this earth, my husband witnessed for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Now and for all eternity he will stand at his Savior’s side wearing the glorious crown of a martyr.”

She added that Charlie’s favorite Bible verse was Ephesians 5:25, which says: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”

In her message to America, Erika made it clear that the movement her husband started would not die with him. She announced that Turning Point USA would continue its campus tour and would hold its America Fest, which is scheduled to take place in Phoenix, Ariz., in December.

Charlie Kirk, who was killed during an event at Utah Valley university on Wednesday, is survived by his wife and their two young children, whose names have not been made public.