Erika Kirk has spoken publicly for the first time since a video of her and U.S. Vice President JD Vance went viral, drawing wide attention online.
In a new interview with Fox News, the widow of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk addressed the intense scrutiny she and her family have faced since her husband’s tragic death. Charlie Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on September 10 during a student debate event at Utah Valley University. Police say the suspect, Tyler Robinson, fired a single bullet from a rooftop overlooking the crowded courtyard. He later turned himself in and now faces trial.
The moment was captured on video and widely circulated on social media. Erika said that made an already painful period even harder.
Just a month after her husband’s death 💕
Erika Kirk, widow of Charlie Kirk, says —
“I see some similarities of my husband in JD… VP Vance.”
And now JD Vance complains his Hindu wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance, won’t convert to Christianity.
Strange timing, isn’t it? pic.twitter.com/vVT4We0p3m
— Manni (@ThadhaniManish_) October 31, 2025
The more recent clip of Erika and Vice President Vance was filmed on October 29 at the University of Mississippi during a Turning Point USA event, where Erika was introduced as the organization’s new CEO.
Introducing Vance, she told the audience: “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 went on to add, “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.”
A clip of the pair embracing on stage soon spread online. It triggered mixed reactions. Some viewers called the moment touching. However, others said it appeared too familiar. Speaking to Fox News, Erika said the scrutiny over her gestures and expressions has been painful, particularly after months of public grief. “There were cameras all over my husband when he was murdered,” she said.
“There have been cameras all over my friends and family mourning. There have been cameras all over me, analyzing my every move, analyzing my every smile, my every tear. We deserve to have cameras in there.”
NEW: Erika Kirk reacts to the defense’s attempt to block cameras from the trial of the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk.
“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.”… pic.twitter.com/QBvKrdwr1G
— Fox News (@FoxNews) November 1, 2025
She explained that she supports keeping cameras in the courtroom for the trial of the man accused of killing her husband, saying transparency matters. “Why not be transparent? There’s nothing to hide. I know there’s not because I’ve seen what the case is built on,” she said.
“Let everyone see what true evil is. This is something that could impact generations to come.” Prosecutors have said text messages and DNA evidence link Robinson to the shooting. His defense team, however, has argued that images of him in shackles could bias potential jurors, given the widespread media coverage.
Judge Tony Graf has agreed to limit certain footage to protect Robinson’s right to a fair trial. He acknowledged the case has drawn “extraordinary” public attention and scheduled the next hearings for January 16 and January 30.
