Featured Image Credit: Brad Vest/Getty Images
Topics: JD Vance, Charlie Kirk, News, US News, Politics, Social Media
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Madison Burgess
Topics: JD Vance, Charlie Kirk, News, US News, Politics, Social Media
Erika Kirk has broken her silence on the viral clip of herself and JD Vance that's raised eyebrows online.
In a new interview with Fox News, the widow of Charlie Kirk, 36, hit out at the intense scrutiny she and her loved ones have faced since her husband was assassinated earlier this year.
For those who need a reminder, the 31-year-old was fatally shot by a single bullet fired from suspect Tyler Robinson's gun on 10 September, during a debate event for students at Utah Valley University.
The horrifying moment was caught on camera and shared widely on social media - another thing that Erika talked about in her new interview.
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As for the clip of Erika and US Vice President JD Vance, it was taken on 29 October when the duo were both at the University of Mississippi on Wednesday for a Turning Point USA event to celebrate Erika being made CEO.
Introducing Donald Trump's right hand man, Erika told the crowd: "When our team asked my dear friend, Vice President JD Vance, to speak today, I really prayed on it, because obviously it's a very emotional, emotional day.
"But I could just hear Charlie in my heart. I could just hear him say, 'Go reclaim that territory, babe. Go. The battle's already won. God's love conquers.'"
She added: "No one will ever replace my husband, but I do see some similarities of my husband in JD - in Vice President JD Vance. I do. And that's why I am so blessed to be able to introduce him tonight."
Vance then made his way onto the stage and embraced Erika, with onlookers taken aback by the length of their hug, which also saw the politician placing his hands on the mother-of-two's hips, whilst she seemingly ran her hands through his hair.
As you can imagine, the moment quickly picked up traction online, with some social media users confused and others calling it inappropriate.
And now, Erika has hit back and called for a judge to reject a motion to curtail news cameras from the courtroom in the proceedings against her husband's accused assassin, in the wake of the backlash and scrutiny.
The widow told the publication: "There were cameras all over my husband when he was murdered.
"There have been cameras all over my friends and family mourning. There have been cameras all over me, analysing my every move, analysing my every smile, my every tear. We deserve to have cameras in there."
She continued: "Why not be transparent? There's nothing to hide. I know there's not because I've seen what the case is built on.
"Let everyone see what true evil is. This is something that could impact generations to come."
Robinson is accused of shooting Kirk from a rooftop overlooking the crowded courtyard at the university event. He was arrested the following night when he turned himself in to police.
Prosecutors have since revealed text messages and DNA evidence that they say connect Robinson to the killing.
Lawyers for Robinson argued images of him shackled and in prison uniform would spread widely in a case with extensive press coverage and public interest, which they said could prejudice future jurors.
Judge Tony Graf agreed to make some allowances to protect Robinson’s presumption of innocence before a trial in Utah, agreeing that the case has drawn 'extraordinary' public and media attention.
Graf has ordered Robinson to appear on January 16 and January 30 for his first in-person public hearings.