Reason why Erika Kirk didn’t wear black to husband Charlie’s memorial as white outfit causes confusion

Republicans, MAGA supporters and Charlie Kirk fans alike gathered in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday (21 September) for the late politician's funeral.

The funeral of the 31-year-old right-wing activist, who was a staunch anti-abortion Christian and Second Amendment advocate, was fatally shot while speaking at a university event in Utah on September 10, saw tens of thousands of Americans turning up at the State Farm Stadium to pay their respects. TSA-style security measures were implemented for the large crowds attending and those who gave a speech did so behind a screen.

The grieving wife of Kirk, Erika, who previously revealed why she doesn't wish the death penalty on her husband's suspected shooter, Tyler Robinson, seemingly perplexed some spectators after not wearing black for her husband's funeral.

Erika Kirk attended her late husband Charlie's memorial service in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday (21 September) (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Rushing to social media to share their confusion, one X user penned: "Erika Kirk That’s odd that she is not wearing black as if in mourning. Western customs (historical/traditional): Widows typically wear black to signify mourning. If a widower remarried, his new wife would usually wear a normal dress (often white), not a mourning colour."

"Why didn't Erika wear black?" questioned a second, while a third chimed in: "When my grandfather died young my grandmother wore black for a year as mourning. Erika is out of pocket for not putting on mourning colours at these events."

Another pointed out: "Erika Kirk wore white instead of black."

And a final X user echoed: "I expected a grieving woman in black."

Well, according to the 'Fight for Charlie' website, the dress code for the funeral states 'Sunday Best' in the colours red, white and blue - presumably symbolising the American flag, hence Erika's all-white outfit choice.

Trump also followed the dress code wearing a blue suit with a red tie (Joe Raedle / Staff / Getty Images)

United States president, Donald Trump, likewise observed the dress code as he opted for a blue suit with a red tie for the proceedings.

Erika, who has taken on the leadership of Turning Point USA from her late husband, took the stage just before the president, and told the huge crowd she forgives her husband’s killer.

"I love you Charlie, baby. And I will make you proud," she said during the memorial.

"The world needs Turning Point USA. It needs a group that will point young people away from the path of misery and sin. It needs something that will lead people away from hell in this world and in the next. It needs young people pointed in the direction of truth and beauty.

"And so I promise you today, every part of our work will become greater."