Daddy’s on a work trip with Jesus: Erika Kirk’s heartbreaking words to her 3-year-old daughter while explaining Charlie’s death

Erika Kirk, wife of slain conservative political activist Charlie Kirk, delivered her first public remarks on Friday, September 12, following the 31-year-old’s fatal shooting on September 10. In an emotional address, Erika reflected on how she spoke to their young daughter about the tragedy. Along with her, Charlie and Erika share a son who turned one in May. Erika recounted that when she returned home after the shooting at Utah Valley University, her daughter rushed into her arms and asked, “Where’s daddy?”

“What do you tell a 3-year-old?” Erika said during the live stream, her voice breaking. “I said ‘baby, Daddy loves you so much, he's on a work trip with Jesus', so he can afford your blueberry budget."



During her speech she thanked those who supported the family and Turning Point USA, the non-profit Charlie founded, during the difficult time and pledged to make sure Charlie's message endured. Vice President JD Vance was one of the people Erika Kirk thanked; in addition to sending condolences, Vance arranged for Erika to be flown out to Arizona on Air Force Two.

She also expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump, "Mr. President, my husband loved you and he knew that you loved him too." You had a wonderful friendship. Both you and he provided him with excellent support.

Without naming the alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah native currently in custody, Erika Kirk referred to “the evildoers responsible” for her husband’s assassination. She declared that Charlie was targeted because he preached a message of patriotism, faith, and God’s merciful love. Erika warned those behind the killing that they had “ignited a fire” within her, vowing that the cries of a widow would echo across the world like a battle cry.

What we know so far about Charlie Kirk’s death

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on September 10 while speaking at a university event in Utah, sparking a 33-hour manhunt for the suspected gunman. Police later confirmed that Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old from Utah, was taken into custody after his father persuaded him to surrender. Robinson now faces charges of aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and felony discharge of a firearm, according to booking records obtained by the BBC. His arrest was first announced by President Donald Trump, who publicly called for the death penalty in the case.

In the aftermath of the killing, tributes poured in for Kirk, who rose to prominence as the founder of Turning Point USA and a staunch ally of Trump. The case is set to move forward as Robinson is expected to be formally charged in court on Tuesday, September 16.