Erika Kirk told a CBS town hall that "everyone has a responsibility" to lower rising violent political rhetoric after her husband Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on Sept. 10. Moderated by Bari Weiss, the event included a question from Hunter Kozak — who had spoken to Charlie Kirk moments before the shooting — asking whether she would condemn violent language from public figures, including former President Trump. Kirk rejected political violence and emphasized the role of family and what people absorb from the world. Tyler Robinson has been arrested and charged; prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty.
Erika Kirk Urges Everyone To 'Turn Down The Temperature' After Husband's Killing
Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, told a CBS town hall on Saturday that "everyone has a responsibility" to help reduce escalating violent political rhetoric in the wake of her husband's September assassination.
The event was moderated by CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and featured questions from students and community members. Weiss repeated a question asking whether political leaders should do more to "turn the temperature down right now."
"Well, I think everyone has a responsibility to do that and I’m doing my part," Kirk replied. "I’m not in control of other people."
Question From Student Who Spoke With Charlie Kirk
The original question came from Hunter Kozak, an undergraduate at Utah Valley University who had spoken to Charlie Kirk moments before the Sept. 10 rally where Kirk was shot. Kozak asked whether Erika Kirk would condemn violent rhetoric from public figures, specifically referencing recent posts by former President Donald Trump on Truth Social that labeled certain Democratic lawmakers' actions "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR" and called them "punishable by DEATH." Kozak asked directly: "Will you condemn the violent rhetoric of Donald Trump, the most powerful and influential person on Earth?"
Kirk responded that the problem is broader than one individual, saying it "starts at the home" and grows from what people absorb and choose to accept. She added clearly, "No, I will never agree with political violence. My husband is a victim of it. I’m a victim of it."
Background: The Shooting And Legal Case
Charlie Kirk, founder and former CEO of Turning Point USA, was killed while speaking with students at a Utah Valley University rally on Sept. 10. He was struck in the neck and later pronounced dead at a hospital.
Tyler Robinson was arrested and charged in connection with the shooting. Prosecutors have filed an indictment that includes aggravated murder and six other counts and said they will seek the death penalty. Robinson made his first in-court appearance related to the case on Thursday.
The town hall and Erika Kirk's remarks come amid national debate over heated political rhetoric and how leaders and citizens should respond after high-profile acts of political violence.
