{{short description|American businesswoman (born 1988)}} {{pp-extended|small=yes}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2025}} {{use American English|date=September 2025}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Erika Kirk | image = AmericaFest 2025 - Erika Kirk 23 (cropped).jpg | caption = Kirk in 2025 | office = CEO of Turning Point USA | predecessor = Charlie Kirk | successor = | term_start = September 18, 2025 | term_end = | birth_name = Erika Lane Frantzve | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|11|20}} | birth_place = Ohio, U.S. | education = {{ubl|Regis University|Arizona State University (BA)|Liberty University (JM)}} | occupation = {{hlist|Businesswoman|podcaster}} | party = Republican | spouse = {{marriage|Charlie Kirk|May 8, 2021|September 10, 2025|end=died}} | children = 2 | module = {{Infobox pageant titleholder | embed = yes | title = Miss Arizona USA 2012 | nationalcompetition = Miss USA 2012 (unplaced) }} }} '''Erika Lane Kirk''' ({{née|'''Frantzve'''}}; born November 20, 1988) is an American businesswoman, nonprofit executive, and podcaster. She serves as chairwoman and CEO of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), a conservative organization co-founded and led by her late husband, Charlie Kirk, until his assassination in September 2025. She was appointed as his successor following his death.
Kirk won Miss Arizona USA in 2012 and competed in Miss USA 2012. She founded two initiatives: Everyday Heroes Like You, a nonprofit which highlights overlooked charities, and BIBLEin365, which encourages Bible reading. Kirk also hosts the podcast ''Midweek Rise Up''. She married Charlie in 2021 after they began dating in 2019, and they had two children together.
== Early life == Erika Lane Frantzve was born on November 20, 1988,<ref>{{cite news |last=Sommerlad |first=Joe |date=September 11, 2025 |title=What we know about Charlie Kirk's family |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/charlie-kirk-wife-erika-frantzve-family-b2824744.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250911160910/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/charlie-kirk-wife-erika-frantzve-family-b2824744.html |archive-date=September 11, 2025 |access-date=September 11, 2025 |work=The Independent}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Thakkar |first=Maitreyee |date=September 11, 2025 |title=How Erika Frantzve, former Miss Arizona, met Charlie Kirk and got married; their kids and what do we know about his family |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/how-erika-frantzve-former-miss-arizona-met-charlie-kirk-and-got-married-their-kids-and-what-do-we-know-about-his-family/articleshow/123820062.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250911130823/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/how-erika-frantzve-former-miss-arizona-met-charlie-kirk-and-got-married-their-kids-and-what-do-we-know-about-his-family/articleshow/123820062.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=September 11, 2025 |access-date=September 11, 2025 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> in Ohio to Lori and Kent Frantzve.<ref name="Draper 2025">{{Cite news |last=Draper |first=Robert |date=September 21, 2025 |title=For Erika Kirk, a Husband's Life Cut Short by Violence He Seemed to Foresee |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/21/us/politics/erika-kirk.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250921094802/https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/21/us/politics/erika-kirk.html |archive-date=September 21, 2025 |access-date=September 23, 2025 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> After her parents' divorce, she grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona. One of her grandfathers was an immigrant from Sweden.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sen |first=Sumanti |date=September 21, 2025 |title=Erika Kirk parents: What we know about slain Charlie Kirk's wife's family |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/erika-kirk-parents-what-we-know-about-slain-charlie-kirks-wifes-family-101758432158195.html |access-date=September 25, 2025 |website=Hindustan Times|quote=Her grandfather was an immigrant from Sweden, according to KBTX 3}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Blackwood |first=Emily |date=September 24, 2025 |title=What to Know About Erika Kirk's Mom, Lori Frantzve |url=https://people.com/all-about-erika-kirk-mom-lori-frantzve-11815425 |access-date=September 30, 2025 |website=People.com}}</ref> In an interview with Megyn Kelly, Kirk mentioned that her mother, Lori, said their family has a Lebanese-Italian background.<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuChzINlHk4 |title=Erika Kirk on Continuing Charlie's Mission, Marriage, and Prayer, Plus Walter Kirn on UFOs and TDS |date=November 24, 2025 |publisher=Devil May Care Media |time=1:23:29 |access-date=January 1, 2025 |format=Video |work=The Megyn Kelly Show}}</ref> She was raised Catholic.<ref>{{cite web |last= Murphy|first= Alyssa |date= September 11, 2025|title= Charlie Kirk’s Wife: What We Know About Erika Kirk’s Catholic Faith|url= https://ewtn.co.uk/article-charlie-kirks-wife-what-we-know-about-erika-kirks-catholic-faith/|website= EWTN|location= Irondale, Alabama|publisher= |access-date= March 10, 2026}}</ref>
She attended Notre Dame Preparatory High School in Scottsdale, Arizona,<ref name="Willsey 2007">{{cite web|url=https://www.eastvalleytribune.com/sports/everyday-heroes-award-east-valley-represented-by-4-student-athletes/article_fa893da2-4c8e-580c-9eaa-a91e5cf1b074.html|title=Everyday heroes award: East Valley represented by 4 student-athletes|first=Les|last=Willsey|date=May 19, 2007|website=EastValley.com|access-date=September 10, 2025|archive-date=September 13, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250913113839/https://www.eastvalleytribune.com/sports/everyday-heroes-award-east-valley-represented-by-4-student-athletes/article_fa893da2-4c8e-580c-9eaa-a91e5cf1b074.html|url-status=live}}</ref> where she played basketball and volleyball, earning the Matt Arnold Sportsmanship and Teammate Awards.<ref name="Willsey 2007" /> In 2006, Kirk established Everyday Heroes Like You,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Duke |first=Alan |date=September 23, 2025 |title=Fact Check: No Evidence Erika Kirk's 'Romanian Angels' Evangelical Ministry Was Accused Of Trafficking Children Or Banned From Romania |url=https://leadstories.com/hoax-alert/2025/09/fact-check-no-evidene-erika-kirk-charity-romanian-angels-was-accused-of-trafficking-children.html |access-date=September 25, 2025 |website=Lead Stories}}</ref> a 501(c)(3) organization that she described as a way to "promote and highlight the everyday heroes in our communities who have a philanthropic desire to truly make a difference in the lives of others", with national programs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/features/az-giving/6169--az-giving-spotlight-erika-frantzve-of-everyday-heroes-like-you.html|title=AZ Giving Spotlight: Erika Frantzve of Everyday Heroes Like You|first=Joanna|last=Brathwaite|access-date=September 10, 2025|magazine=Arizona Foothills Magazine|archive-date=September 12, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250912155029/https://www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/features/az-giving/6169--az-giving-spotlight-erika-frantzve-of-everyday-heroes-like-you.html|url-status=live}}</ref> She played basketball for two years at Regis University in Denver, Colorado, appearing in eight games in the 2007–08 season as a reserve.<ref name="Weinman 2012">{{cite web|url=https://www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/features/afm-vip/3783-erika-frantzve-more-than-just-a-pretty-face.html|title=Erika Frantzve: more than just a pretty face|first=Cassandra|last=Weinman|date=May 2012|magazine=Arizona Foothills Magazine|access-date=September 10, 2025|archive-date=September 11, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250911064953/https://www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/features/afm-vip/3783-erika-frantzve-more-than-just-a-pretty-face.html|url-status=live}}</ref> She completed her undergraduate studies at Arizona State University, double majoring in political science and international relations.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 23, 2011 |title=ASU senior wins Miss Arizona USA; UA senior runner-up |last=Bennett |first=James |url=https://www.kold.com/story/16107030/asu-senior-frantzve-wins-miss-arizona-usa-ua-senior-wilenchik-runner-up/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250913114827/https://www.kold.com/story/16107030/asu-senior-frantzve-wins-miss-arizona-usa-ua-senior-wilenchik-runner-up/ |archive-date=September 13, 2025 |access-date=September 10, 2025 |publisher=KOLD-TV |location=Mesa, Arizona}}</ref><ref name="Walia 2025">{{cite web |last=Walia |first=Gandharv |date=September 10, 2025 |title=Charlie Kirk Present Condition and Family: Here's all about wife Erika Frantzve, children, chaotic scenes after attack and Utah Valley University shooting |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/charlie-kirk-present-condition-family-utah-valley-university-shooting-conservative-activist-wife-erika-frantzve-children-turning-point-usa-founder-conservative-commentator-chaotic-scenes-after-attack/articleshow/123816660.cms?from=mdr |access-date=September 10, 2025 |work=The Economic Times}}</ref><ref name="o811">{{cite web |title=What We Know About Charlie Kirk's Wife Erika's Career Before She Took Over Turning Point USA |last=Conard |first=Kristin |website=MSN |date=2025-12-29 |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/what-we-know-about-charlie-kirk-s-wife-erika-s-career-before-she-took-over-turning-point-usa/ar-AA1NP2Ld?ocid=hmlogout&apiversion=v2&domshim=1&noservercache=1&noservertelemetry=1&batchservertelemetry=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1 |access-date=2025-12-29}}</ref>
== Career == [[File:Erika_Frantzve,_Miss_Arizona_USA.jpg|thumb|Erika as Miss Arizona USA winner in 2012|right]] Kirk participated in the Miss Arizona USA 2012 pageant, which she won on her 23rd birthday, and then represented Arizona in Miss USA 2012,<ref name="Weinman 2012"/> but failed to place. She holds a degree in American Legal Studies from Liberty University, where she is studying for a doctorate in biblical studies as of 2025.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Breen |first=Kerry |date=September 18, 2025 |title=Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, named new CEO of Turning Point USA |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/erika-kirk-charlie-kirk-widow-turning-point-usa-ceo/ |access-date=October 2, 2025 |work=CBS News}}</ref> In 2019, Erika launched the podcast ''Midweek Rise Up''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/charlie-kirk-family-all-on-wife-erika-frantzve-and-children-101757530754136.html|title=Charlie Kirk family: All on wife Erika Frantzve and children|date=September 10, 2025|access-date=September 10, 2025|work=Hindustan Times|first=Vaishnavi|last=Vaidyanathan|archive-date=September 10, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250910210336/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/charlie-kirk-family-all-on-wife-erika-frantzve-and-children-101757530754136.html|url-status=live}}</ref> That year, she also appeared on the reality television series ''Summer House''.<ref name="summer">{{Cite web |last=Perez |first=Lexy |date=September 14, 2025 |title=Charlie Kirk Widow Erika Appeared on Bravo's 'Summer House' in Resurfaced Clip |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/charlie-kirk-wife-erika-bravo-summer-house-1236370422/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref>
She is the CEO of Proclaim Streetwear (Proclaim365),<ref name="azcentral/86228015007">{{cite news |last1=Raymundo |first1=Shawn |last2=Dominguez |first2=Maritza |title=Erika Kirk grew up in Scottsdale. What to know about her Arizona connections |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona/2025/09/19/erika-kirk-scottsdale/86228015007/ |access-date=10 February 2026 |work=The Arizona Republic |date=2025-09-19}}</ref> a clothing brand,<ref name="Walia 2025"/> and BIBLEin365, a ministry project.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latintimes.com/who-erika-kirk-charlie-kirks-widow-589415|title=Who Is Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's Widow?|first=Alicia|last=Civita|website=The Latin Times|date=September 10, 2025|access-date=September 10, 2025|archive-date=September 11, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250911030839/https://www.latintimes.com/who-erika-kirk-charlie-kirks-widow-589415|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2025, she works as a real estate agent at the Corcoran Group in New York City.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/09/10/charlie-kirk-family-wife-erika-frantzve/86081880007/|title=What to know about Charlie Kirk's wife and family|first=Fernando|last=Cervantes Jr.|work=USA Today|date=September 10, 2025|access-date=September 10, 2025|archive-date=September 11, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250911040939/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/09/10/charlie-kirk-family-wife-erika-frantzve/86081880007/|url-status=live}}</ref> After the assassination of her husband, Charlie Kirk, she took over as CEO and chair of the board of Turning Point USA (TPUSA).<ref name="Williams 2025">{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/18/politics/erika-kirk-turning-point-ceo|title=Erika Kirk named CEO of Turning Point USA|first=Michael|last=Williams|date=September 18, 2025|work=CNN|access-date=September 18, 2025|archive-date=September 18, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250918165936/https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/18/politics/erika-kirk-turning-point-ceo|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Reid |first=Tim |date=September 19, 2025 |title=Erika Kirk named CEO of Turning Point USA after husband's murder |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/erika-kirk-named-ceo-turning-point-usa-after-husbands-murder-2025-09-18/ |access-date=September 25, 2025 |work=Reuters }}</ref>
In March 2026, President Donald Trump appointed Kirk to the United States Air Force Academy Board of Visitors.<ref>{{cite web |last= Forrest|first= Brett|date= March 8, 2026|title= Erika Kirk appointed to USAFA Board of Visitors, could help vote to recommend Charlie Kirk for honorary degree|url=https://www.koaa.com/news/local-news/erika-kirk-appointed-to-air-force-academy-board-of-visitors-could-help-vote-to-recommend-charlie-kirk-for-honorary-usafa-degree |website= KOAA-TV|location= Pueblo, Colorado|publisher= |access-date= March 10, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-10 |title=Trump quietly adds Erika Kirk to advisory board for US Air Force academy |url=https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/erika-kirk-air-force-academy-board-b2935850.html |access-date=2026-03-11 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref>
==Public image== Following the death of her husband, Kirk received increased media attention, especially regarding her new position as CEO of Turning Point and the public grieving of her husband. The New York Times stated "images of Erika Kirk in the days since her husband, Charlie Kirk, was assassinated have been wrenching"<ref>Goldberg, Emma. "Grieving in Public, Erika Kirk Melds the Personal and Political". The New York Times. Published September 13, 2025. Accessed digitally May 14, 2026.</ref>, yet also wrote: {{Blockquote |text=To some young women at the Turning Point USA women’s event, Ms. Kirk represent[s] contradictions that they see woven broadly into right-wing messaging about family and professional life. She was a successful entrepreneur, but urged her followers to put motherhood before career; she was a public face for a movement, but advised sublimating ambition to faith and family.}}
Kirk's behavior following her husband's death has also been heavily criticized by journalists and social media users. Radar wrote that Kirk "has been criticized for spending her time making flashy public appearances"<ref>Stone, Alexandra. [https://radaronline.com/p/erika-kirk-accused-using-kids-props-performative-social-media-photos/ "Erika Kirk Accused of Using Her Kids as 'Props' in 'Performative' Social Media Photos — Nearly 8 Months After Husband Charlie's Public Assassination"]. Radar. Published May 7, 2026. Accessed May 14, 2026.</ref> since her husband's death, with Wonderwall writing "her tears and pensive expression [were] labeled as theatrics by many".<ref>Wonderwall.com Staff. [https://www.wonderwall.com/celebrity/erika-kirk-slammed-performative-anniversary-tribute-late-husband-charlie/ "Erika Kirk slammed over ‘performative’ anniversary tribute"]. ''Wonderwall''. Published May 14, 2026. Accessed digitally May 14, 2026.</ref>
== Personal life == [[File:Erika Kirk & Charlie Kirk, June 2025.jpg|thumb|Erika and Charlie Kirk speaking together at an event in Texas in June 2025|left]] Erika and Charlie Kirk started dating in New York City in 2019,<ref>{{cite web |date=February 11, 2025 |title=Who Is Charlie Kirk's Wife, Erika Frantzve & What Is Their Relationship History? |url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/charlie-kirk-wife-erika-frantzve-101421725.html |access-date=September 10, 2025 |website=Yahoo Life }}</ref><ref name="Kindelan 2025">{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/News/charlie-kirk-wife-erika-two-kids/story?id=125460687|title=Charlie Kirk's family: What to know about his wife Erika, 2 kids|first=Katie|last=Kindelan|date=September 10, 2025|work=ABC News|access-date=September 10, 2025|archive-date=September 11, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250911002316/https://abcnews.go.com/News/charlie-kirk-wife-erika-two-kids/story?id=125460687|url-status=live}}</ref> and they became engaged in December 2020.<ref name="The Nettline 2025">{{cite web |last=Marin |first=Kate |date=November 22, 2022 |title=Who is Charlie Kirk's wife? His business savvy partner |url=https://thenetline.com/charlie-kirks-wife/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250619100509/https://thenetline.com/charlie-kirks-wife/ |archive-date=June 19, 2025 |access-date=September 10, 2025 |website=The Netline}}</ref> Charlie was the co-founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA).<ref name="Severns 2025">{{cite web |last=Severns |first=Maggiel |date=December 14, 2020 |title=In final years at Liberty, Falwell spent millions on pro-Trump causes |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/14/jerry-falwell-trump-liberty-university-444661 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250824120449/https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/14/jerry-falwell-trump-liberty-university-444661 |archive-date=August 24, 2025 |access-date=September 10, 2025 |work=Politico}}</ref> They married on May 8, 2021, in Scottsdale.<ref name="The Nettline 2025" /> TPUSA funded a wedding reception, held at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess hotel, coinciding with the organization's ninth anniversary.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tucson.com/news/nation-world/government-politics/article_e5d8d8c0-ed8c-5f22-a906-3dfaea00dabb.html|title=How Trump's MAGA movement helped a 29-year-old activist become a millionaire|date=January 11, 2024|agency=Associated Press|first=Brian|last=Slodysko|work=Arizona Daily Star|access-date=September 10, 2025}}</ref> Erika was frequently seen at Charlie's events.<ref name="Kindelan 2025" /> The couple went on to have two children, a daughter born in 2022 and a son born in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Sommerlad |first1=Joe |last2=Marcus |first2=Josh |date=September 21, 2025 |title=What we know about Charlie Kirk's family |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/erika-charlie-kirk-wife-family-kids-turning-point-b2830788.html |access-date=October 10, 2025 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref>
On September 10, 2025, Charlie was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University, a stop of his American Comeback tour.<ref>{{cite news |last=Turnbull|first=Tiffanie|date=September 12, 2025|title=Charlie Kirk shooting: What we know about death of close Trump ally|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy04p4x21e5o|access-date=September 10, 2025 |work=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Charlie Kirk: Trump ally shot dead at campus event in Utah|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c206zm81z4gt?post=asset%3Ac0251c3a-1ff7-4d57-8c3b-b124a011e280#post|access-date=September 10, 2025|work=BBC News|archive-date=September 11, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250911134414/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c206zm81z4gt?post=asset:c0251c3a-1ff7-4d57-8c3b-b124a011e280#post|url-status=live}}</ref> She subsequently gave a widely reported address from TPUSA headquarters,<ref>{{cite news|last=Goldberg|first=Emma|title=Grieving in Public, Erika Kirk Melds the Personal and Political|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/13/style/erika-kirk-charlie-kirk-marriage.html|work=The New York Times|date=September 13, 2025|access-date=September 16, 2025|archive-date=September 16, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250916205716/https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/13/style/erika-kirk-charlie-kirk-marriage.html|url-status=live|url-access=registration}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Saad|first1=Nardine|last2=Matza|first2=Max|title='I will never let your legacy die' – Charlie Kirk's widow gives tearful address after shooting|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz9je8lxge4o|work=BBC News|date=September 13, 2025|access-date=September 16, 2025|archive-date=September 16, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250916101830/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz9je8lxge4o|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Sarnoff & Kindelan 2025">{{Cite news |last1=Sarnoff |first1=Leah |last2=Kindelan |first2=Katie |date=September 14, 2025 |title=Erika Kirk delivers emotional remarks to the nation after killing of husband Charlie Kirk |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/charlie-kirks-widow-erika-set-deliver-1st-public/story?id=125528319 |access-date=September 18, 2025 |work=ABC News}}</ref> pledging to carry on her husband's activities.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Saad |first1=Nardine |last2=Matza |first2=Max |date=September 13, 2025 |title=Erika Kirk pledges 'my husband's voice will remain' in tribute to Charlie Kirk |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz9je8lxge4o |access-date=September 18, 2025 |work=BBC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250917225407/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz9je8lxge4o |archive-date=September 17, 2025}}</ref> [[File:Erika Kirk (54820242496).jpg|thumb|Erika Kirk speaking at the memorial service of Charlie Kirk, September 21, 2025]]
In an interview with ''The New York Times'', Kirk explained how she pushed to see her husband's body against advice from law enforcement. She reportedly told authorities, "With all due respect, I want to see what they did to my husband", before kissing him goodbye. She said he looked like he died happy with a "''Mona Lisa''–like half-smile".<ref name="Draper 2025"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Coffey-Behrens |first=Kelly |date=September 21, 2025 |title=Erika Kirk Shares Haunting Details Of Charlie Kirk's Last Moments In Hospital |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/erika-kirk-shares-haunting-details-173014670.html |access-date=September 22, 2025 |website=BLAST News }}</ref> A memorial service for Charlie was held on September 21 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Sarah |last2=Levinson-King |first2=Robin |date=September 21, 2025 |title=Trump hails Charlie Kirk as martyr to thousands at memorial service |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgee0x9p40o |access-date=September 22, 2025 |work=BBC News}}</ref> where Erika publicly forgave the man accused of killing her husband.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gambino |first=Lauren |date=September 21, 2025 |title=Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, says she forgives man accused of murder |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/21/erika-kirk-charlie-kirk-killing |access-date=September 22, 2025 |work=The Guardian}}</ref> The service was attended by between 90,000 and 100,000 people,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Macias |first=Amanda |date=September 21, 2025 |title=Charlie Kirk honored by 90K in one of the largest memorials for a private citizen |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/charlie-kirk-honored-90k-one-largest-memorials-private-citizen |access-date=September 22, 2025 |website=Fox News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Charlie Kirk memorial service: Police estimate over 90,000 in attendance |url=https://www.azcentral.com/live-story/news/politics/arizona/2025/09/21/charlie-kirk-memorial-service-live-coverage/86186558007/ |access-date=September 22, 2025 |work=The Arizona Republic |date=September 21, 2025 |quote=About 90,000 to 100,000 people were in attendance for Charlie Kirk's memorial, according to a Glendale police estimate.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 21, 2025 |title=Charlie Kirk Memorial: Erika, Trump to pay tribute—Watch Live |url=https://www.newsweek.com/charlie-kirk-funeral-memorial-service-live-updates-2133299 |last1=Castro |first1=Amanda |last2=Taheri |first2=Mandy |last3=He |first3=Bianca |last4=Aitken |first4=Peter |access-date=September 22, 2025 |website=Newsweek }}</ref> including President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Yang |first1=Maya |last2=Lawther |first2=Fran |date=September 21, 2025 |title=Charlie Kirk funeral and memorial: time, updates from Arizona – live |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2025/sep/21/charlie-kirk-funeral-memorial-time-updates-arizona?page=with:block-68d01b8d8f0816a4522bf43b |access-date=September 21, 2025 |work=The Guardian}}</ref>
Kirk was present at the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting in April 2026. She was unharmed and was seen crying as security escorted her away.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-04-26 |title=Erika Kirk hid under table after gunfire erupted at WHCA Dinner |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/erika-kirk-correspondents-dinner-shooting-b2965200.html |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref> {{clear}}
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == {{Commons category}} * {{Official website}} * [https://www.mrserikakirk.com/listen ''Midweek Rise Up'' podcast] * [https://www.proclaim365.com/biblein365 Proclaim365 website] * {{C-SPAN|146032}} * [https://static.regisrangers.com/custompages/WBB%20Career/histcarr.htm#Erika_Frantzve Regis University Women's Basketball team cumulative statistics]
{{Arizona pageant winners}} {{Miss USA 2012 delegates}} {{Charlie Kirk}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kirk, Erika}} Category:1988 births Category:Living people Category:21st-century American businesspeople Category:21st-century American businesswomen Category:21st-century American philanthropists Category:21st-century American women philanthropists Category:American beauty pageant winners Category:American nonprofit chief executives Category:American political podcasters Category:American women chief executives Category:American women founders Category:American women podcasters Category:Arizona State University alumni Category:Businesspeople from Arizona Category:Charlie Kirk Category:Liberty University alumni Category:Miss USA 2012 delegates Category:People from Scottsdale, Arizona Category:Philanthropists from Arizona Category:Regis Rangers athletes Category:American people of Swedish descent Category:American people of Italian descent Category:American people of Lebanese descent Category:Turning Point USA members