Just days after conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during an appearance at Utah Valley University, his widow, Erika Kirk, delivered her first public remarks — a powerful and emotional vow to continue the movement her husband built.

"You have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife. The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry," Erika said in her address, speaking directly to her husband’s supporters and to the nation.

Kirk, who founded the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was killed Wednesday in what authorities have described as a targeted political assassination. His death sent shockwaves across the country. Erika Kirk said his vision will not die.

"To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die. It won't, I refuse to let that happen … All of us will refuse to let that happen," she said. "No one will ever forget my husband's name, and I will make sure of it."

A widow’s gratitude and grief

In her remarks, Erika thanked first responders, investigators, and top leaders including President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance for their support in the aftermath of the tragedy.

"Mr. President, my husband loved you, and he knew that you loved him too," she said, fighting back tears. "Your friendship was amazing. You supported him so well, as did he for you."

Charlie Kirk, 31, leaves behind Erika and their two young children — a 3-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son. Erika recalled the painful moment when their daughter asked about her father.

"When I got home last night, our daughter just ran into my arms … and she said, 'Mommy, I missed you.' I said, 'I missed you too, baby.' She goes, 'Where’s daddy?' What do you tell a 3-year-old? I told her, 'Baby, daddy loves you so much. Don’t you worry. He’s on a work trip with Jesus so he can afford your blueberry budget.'"

A nation reacts

The assassination occurred during the first stop of Turning Point USA’s "American Comeback Tour," which was set to visit multiple college campuses this fall. Kirk was struck by a single shot while speaking outdoors and died shortly after being rushed to a hospital.

President Trump announced Kirk’s death on social media, calling him “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk.” Trump praised his late ally as someone who “understood the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than anyone.”

"No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us," Trump wrote. "Melania and my sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!"

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, who confirmed the arrest of a suspect in the shooting at a Friday press conference, also paid tribute to Kirk’s family.

"I especially want to thank the family of Charlie Kirk — Erika, Charlie’s parents, his children," Cox said. "I want us to be thinking of them as we bring justice in this case. They will be involved in that justice."

Erika Kirk’s life and work

Beyond being the wife of a prominent political figure, Erika Kirk has built her own path as a public figure and entrepreneur. A former Miss Arizona USA and collegiate basketball player, she is currently pursuing a doctorate in Biblical studies at Liberty University.

She is the founder of Proclaim, a faith-based clothing line, as well as the host of the Midweek Rise Up podcast. In addition, she founded two nonprofit organizations dedicated to faith and service.

Throughout her husband’s career, Erika was often at his side at speaking engagements and public events, becoming a familiar presence within the Turning Point USA community.

Now, she has made clear that she intends to carry forward the mission he began.

"My husband’s work will not stop," she said. "It will live on — through me, through our children, and through all of you."