Breaking News: ‘I will never let your legacy die’ Charlie Kirk’s widow gives tearful address after shooting

Born in a suburb of Chicago in 1993, Charlie Kirk got started early in conservative politics, first penning an essay for right-wing Breitbart News at the age of 18, accusing schools of spreading “propaganda” and “indoctrination”.

He caught the eye of Bill Montgomery, a retired businessman and Tea Party activist more than 50 years his senior, who took Kirk under his wing.

In 2012 – around the midpoint of Barack Obama’s presidency – the pair founded Turning Point USA, a group which focused on conservative activism on college campuses, spreading rapidly along with Kirk’s social media following.

The group tapped into online media and spread a slickly packaged style of conservatism to young people.

It won him a speaking place, aged 22, at the 2016 Republican National Convention.

Kirk’s political views drifted rightward over time. He was against gay marriage and abortion, argued for Christian nationalism and was highly critical of Islam, and famously said that gun deaths were “worth it” for the right to own firearms.

He was also an opponent of diversity programmes and spread falsehoods about topics such as Covid vaccines and voting fraud.

Above all, he was loyal to Trump.

Erika Kirk is a businesswoman and former Miss Arizona USA winner who met Charlie Kirk in 2018. The couple married in 2021.

Erika, who is currently studying for a doctorate in Bible studies, has launched a Bible ministry programme and hosts the Midweek Rise Up podcast, which focuses on Biblical leadership.

She has also launched the faith-based clothing line Proclaim, which, according to the website, “reflects her vision of empowering individuals to wear their faith with confidence”.

The Kirks have got a one-year-old son and a three-year-old daughter.

Erika Kirk says she doesn’t remember the last time she slept, and shared a story about their daughter, whom they referred to as GG, when she ran into her arms the night before.

“‘Where’s daddy?’” GG asked.

“What do you tell a three-year-old?” Erika Kirk says. “‘Baby, daddy loves you so much. Don’t you worry. He’s on a work trip with Jesus [so] he can afford your blueberry budget.’”

Erika finishes by speaking directly to her late husband, saying: “I can’t wait to see you again one day.”

She ends: “God bless you all, and may God bless America.”