Erika Kirk reflects on grief one year after Charlie Kirk's death in moving tribute

Erika Kirk, widow of late 31-year-old conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has reflected on the past year as her husband’s first anniversary approaches.

Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on September 10, 2025, when he was attending Turning Point USA (TPUSA) event at Utah Valley University.

Erika, in an opinion piece, appeared in the New York Times on Monday, September 7, and reflected on the past year, how she navigated the grief and pain, and what words she received from second lady Ushna Vance after Kirk’s death.

Erika Kirk has visited Utah in recent days for preliminary court proceedings involving Tyler Robinson, who is accused of killing her husband.

Tyler Robinson, who allegedly killed Charlie Kirk, has been charged with seven counts related to the murder.

Tyler Robinson last week during a court hearing pleaded not guilty to all seven charges against him.

However, the Utah District Court Judge Tony Graf ruled that the evidence was strong enough to charge him with capital murder.

Reflecting on the grief she has been through over the last year, Erika wrote, “I am still learning how to walk through each day carrying the grief I feel for my Charlie.”

“Some days I have a vague understanding of God’s plan, others I don’t, but I trust Him completely,” she continued.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) Erika explained why she penned her grief because she wanted to share her experience with others who have lost someone they love.

“For all the things that divide us, grief is a universal language and a defining part of the human experience,” she wrote.

While recounting her conversation with second lady Ushna Vance, the day after her husband was killed, Kirk recalled telling Vance, “I don’t know how I’m going to do this.”

Vance responded while drawing a parallel about being on an airplane with children who are struggling the final minutes before touchdown.

Her advice to Kirk was simple, “Just get through the next 15 minutes.”

“Her words are seared into my heart,” Kirk wrote.

Last month, Turning Point USA announced a special event marking the first anniversary on Thursday, September 10, at the Utah Valley University campus.