Erika Kirk comparing JD Vance to late husband Charlie before embracing sparks debate

Last week (29 October), Erika Kirk, the grieving widow of Charlie Kirk, celebrated being made Turning Point USA's new CEO following her husband's passing.

Charlie Kirk was shot and killed two months ago (10 September) by suspected shooter Tyler Robinson.

The event was held at the University of Mississippi on Wednesday (29 October) and saw United States Vice President JD Vance in attendance as a guest of honour.

Before introducing him to the stage, Erika said some words about Vance, which has since sparked a heated discussion online - especially when paired alongside reactions to their controversial hug moments later.

Erika, 36, began: "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.'"

Erika went on to note the likeness between the 41-year-old politician and right-wing campaigner, Kirk, who died at age 31, adding: "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."

Seconds later, Vance - who is married to and shares three children with lawyer Usha Chilukuri - emerged onto the stage, opening his arms to Erika.

Onlookers were surprised by the length of their embrace, which also saw Vance placing his hands on the widow's hips, whilst Erika placed her hands through the VP's hair.

After catching light of Erika's comment, critics rushed to social media to share their speculation.

One slammed: "This is just WEIRD!

"'No one will ever replace my husband but…' as she introduces JD Vance as a speaker? Who said he would? Why even say that?

"It’s just weird as hell. I don’t care what anyone says. Involved in this thing or not, Erika Kirk is weird. All I gotta say."

A second chirped: "Not weird. Calculating af."

"I said the exact same thing! It feels so inauthentic!! Like she is reciting a script!" declared a third.

Quoting Erika, another piped up: "'No one will ever replace Charlie… but I do see some similarities of my husband in JD…Vice President JD Vance'. Says Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk.

"These words seem out of place… much like her leather pants."

Others, however, rushed in to defend the grieving widow.

"The woman is grieving her husband's assassination. She loves him. She lost him. She is mourning him. She is in shock. For the love of God, give her grace. May the Lord carry Erika through this. This has brought pure evil to light. Even without seeing the video, I am still bothered," hit out one X user.

Another penned: "No one blames her, she is going through a trauma. She needs to stay away for some time."

Amidst all the chatter online, 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 Fox News: "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."

The mother of two 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."