Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika, has given a tearful address in which she thanked first responders for trying to save her husband's life after he was fatally shot on a Utah university campus.
In a livestream, standing beside her husband's empty chair that he used during podcast tapings, she quoted the Bible and spoke about his love for President Donald Trump, Vice-President JD Vance, the United States, and the couple's two children.
Kirk, a right-wing activist, was shot dead on Wednesday during an open-air speaking event in Orem, Utah. His suspected killer, Tyler Robinson, was arrested on Thursday night after surrendering to police.
In her remarks, Mrs. Kirk pledged: My husband's voice will remain.
The broadcast from Turning Point USA's headquarters in Arizona began with several minutes of silence, as the camera framed Charlie Kirk's empty chair.
As his widow started speaking, she looked upwards and whispered a silent prayer.
She then thanked first responders who tried to save him, her husband's staff, and the White House.
Mr President, my husband loved you. And he knew that you loved him too, she said tearfully, also thanking Vance and his wife Usha for accompanying the casket back to Arizona.
But most of all, Charlie loved his children. And he loved me. With all his heart. And he made sure I knew that every day.
Addressing evil-doers, Mrs. Kirk said: You have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife, the cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry.
They should all know this: If you thought that my husband's mission was powerful before, you have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country and this world.
Her husband's tour of US university campuses will continue throughout the fall, and in the years ahead, she said, without offering further details. His podcast will also continue.
Erika Kirk also spoke of their one-year-old son and three-year-old daughter, saying that she was at a loss for how to explain their father's sudden death.
Baby, daddy loves you so much. Don't you worry. He's on a work trip with Jesus, she told their daughter.
Kirk was shot during his speaking engagement at Utah Valley University during Turning Point USA's The American Comeback Tour, while taking a question about gun violence and transgender issues in the US.
Trump announced he will award Kirk a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom, describing him as a giant of his generation and a champion of liberty.
Turning Point USA referred to its co-founder as a martyr and pioneer, expressing its condolences and urging prayers for the Kirk family.
