Saturday, March 29, 2025
Donald Trump Declares Charlie Kirk a Martyr, Wife Forgives His Killer
U.S. President Donald Trump has declared slain right-wing activist Charlie Kirk a martyr who gave his life for American freedom. At a memorial service held on Sunday, Trump said Kirk would “live on in the hearts of the people” and praised him as a man who sacrificed himself for liberty.
Trump described Kirk as one of his closest allies, recalling how he had urged him to campaign extensively across the country. Kirk, co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was shot dead on September 10 while addressing an event at the University of Utah. He was struck in the neck by a bullet, allegedly fired by 22-year-old Tyler Robbins, who has since been arrested. Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty, though the motive for the murder remains unclear.
Speculation in political circles suggests Kirk was targeted because he had become an obstacle to left-wing activists. Some have described his killing as a politically motivated conspiracy. Trump, sharply criticizing liberals, vowed a full investigation and said that whoever was behind the violence “will not be spared.”
Kirk’s wife, Erica Kirk, gave an emotional address during the memorial. In a remarkable statement, she announced that she forgave her husband’s killer, saying, “I forgive him because Charlie did what Jesus Christ did.”
Robbins has been formally charged with the intentional murder of Charlie Kirk. If convicted, he could face the death penalty, life imprisonment without parole, or a minimum of 25 years behind bars. The sentence could be harsher if it is proven that Kirk was specifically targeted for his political beliefs and because the attack occurred in the presence of children. Robbins’ family has so far declined to issue any statement.
Kirk’s assassination is seen as a huge blow to Donald Trump and the conservative movement. Over the past decade, Turning Point USA grew into a powerful political network, operating across 3,300 college campuses by 2024 and raising nearly $85 million in 2023 alone. Kirk had mobilized thousands of young voters in Trump’s favor, making him one of the most influential conservative voices in America.
