Topics: Charlie Kirk, US News, Politics, Crime, News, World News
Charlie Kirk's wife, Erika, has revealed why she doesn't wish the death penalty on her husband's suspected shooter, Tyler Robinson.
Turning Point USA co-founder and right-wing influencer Kirk, 31, was fatally shot while speaking at a university event in Utah on Wednesday (10 September). The incident happened with over 3,000 people in attendance, and Kirk was answering a question from a student in the crowd when a single shot struck him in the neck.
After the FBI subsequently launched a manhunt for the suspected shooter, 22-year-old Robinson was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and obstruction of justice.
The aggravated murder charge means that Robinson could face the death penalty if convicted of killing Kirk, as it is one of 27 states where the punishment is still legal.
Advert
On Tuesday (16 September) Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray confirmed that prosecutors will seek the death penalty, calling it a decision he 'does not take lightly'.
And now, Kirk's widow Erika has spoken out on her opinion on the controversial topic in a new interview with the New York Times.
She told the publication: “I’ve had so many people ask, ‘Do you feel anger toward this man? Like, do you want to seek the death penalty?’
"I’ll be honest. I told our lawyer, I want the government to decide this."
Erika added: "I do not want that man’s blood on my ledger. Because when I get to heaven, and Jesus is like: ‘Uh, eye for an eye? Is that how we do it?’ And that keeps me from being in heaven, from being with Charlie?"
Elsewhere during the interview, the mother of two said she sees a 'divine logic' to her husband's tragic killing.
She said: “I’m a strong believer that this was God’s plan. And it’s so clear-cut. It couldn’t be more Charlie.”
The 36-year-old: "Do I like it? No. That was the love of my life, my soul mate, my best friend. But God’s plan is always greater than ours.”
This is not the first time that Erika has spoken out about Kirk's death, as she first broke her silence last week on 15 September.
She got emotional as she told the world that her husband's message will be 'louder and greater than ever'.
"You have no idea of the fire that you have ignited within this wife, the cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry," Erika added.
Today, the podcaster is being remembered at a memorial at State Farm Stadium in Arizona, which has a capacity of up to 73,000.
Tickets were released to members of the public, and people are being admitted on a first-come, first-served basis, with most of the seats already filled.
Erika is set to deliver remarks at the funeral, alongside US President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and a slew of other White House speakers.
