Charlie Kirk's wife Erika addresses nation in first remarks

The Connecticut Republican Party on Friday accused a Democratic state education official of posting a "chilling reaction" on social media to Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk’s death.

The party shared a screenshot of what appeared to be a social media account belonging to Farmington Board of Education Chairman Bill Beckert, reposting a comment that said, "They Reap What They Sow."

"As the official responsible for the education of Farmington’s children, you’d expect Mr. Beckert to show restraint and basic decency," Connecticut Republican Party Chairman Ben Proto said in a statement.

"Instead, he celebrated the brutal murder of a young husband and father of two, whose only ‘crime’ was having an opinion. That is grotesque. It is a betrayal of the values every educator and public servant should embody."

Proto added that Kirk’s beliefs were "grounded in faith and love of country," and he "never called for violence."

Proto also accused Beckert of wanting to silence those who disagree with him.

"His words read like an endorsement of political violence," Proto wrote. "Farmington parents and taxpayers must ask themselves: is this the example they want for their children?"

This is an excerpt of an article by Fox News' Brie Stimson.

Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts said the speech given by Charlie Kirk's wife, Erika, after his shooting death "was a Braveheart moment for the conservative movement and America," referring to the 1995 film.

"This speech wasn’t just a tour de force amid the worst possible circumstances imaginable — it was a Braveheart moment for the conservative movement and America," Roberts wrote on X. "God be with you, @MrsErikaKirk. Thank you. Onward."

In the speech, she thanked first responders and the family's supporters, particularly President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

"Mr. President, my husband loved you," she said.

She also vowed to ensure the movement of youth activism her husband helped create does not die with him.

"The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry. To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die. It won't. I refuse to let that happen. It will become stronger. Bolder. Louder and greater than ever," she said.

The widow said, "One of Charlie’s favorite Bible verses was Ephesians 5:25: 'Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her.'"

"My husband laid down his life for me, for our nation, for our children. He showed the ultimate and true covenantal love," she added.

Office Depot fired an employee at its Portage, Michigan, store on Friday after a video went viral on social media showing employees refusing to print posters of Charlie Kirk that a customer ordered for a vigil honoring the late conservative activist.

The company said in a statement to Fox News Digital that it is "deeply concerned by the unfortunate customer experience" that took place at Store 3382. In the video, a person recording can be heard telling a trio of employees that they came into the store earlier in the night to pick up an order for posters to be used at a vigil.

An employee, who identified herself as one of the store's manager, responded by saying, "Yea, so, we don't print propaganda." She then doubled down and said, "It's propaganda. I'm sorry. We don't print that here."

When the person recording the video asked what makes the posters propaganda, she said, "Because he's a political figure and I don't have to..." before another employee cut her off and said the general manager would be in on Monday.

Office Depot said Friday night that an "immediate internal review" was launched and the employee involved in the incident is "no longer with the organization." The company also said it reached out to the customer as soon as it learned of the incident "to address their concerns and seek to fulfill their order to their satisfaction."

"The behavior displayed by our associate is completely unacceptable and insensitive, violates our company policies, and does not reflect the values we uphold at Office Depot. On behalf of the Company, we sincerely apologize for this regrettable situation," the statement said.

The company did not state which employee was fired, and said it will "continue to aggressively investigate the matter" and action will be taken where it is appropriate.

The statement ended with, "We are committed to reinforcing training with all team members to ensure our standards of respect, integrity, and customer service are upheld at every location. Our customers and communities deserve nothing less."

Hundreds of Utah State University students still reeling from the assassination of Charlie Kirk came together at a tearful vigil hosted by the campus’ Turning Point USA chapter on Friday night.

"We just want to have our community come together in this really dark time," Kaitlyn Griffiths, president of the school’s chapter, told Fox News Digital at the emotional and faithful tribute to the late conservative activist. "Especially something that happened so close to home for us. And we want to be able to gather and celebrate this man's life."

A heavy police presence was seen throughout the university as hundreds of mourners filled the campus to pay tribute to Kirk, with the vigil including prayers from the student body and a moving film featuring key moments in his career.

"I'm a Christian," Griffiths said. "I believe that Jesus Christ died for us, and Charlie Kirk believed in the same things. The thing that he always said he wanted to be remembered [for] was his courage and his faith, so we're trying to focus our event tonight on celebrating his faith, and the man that he was, and how strongly and harshly he worked for the things that he cared for."

USU student Travis Ferraro echoed the same sentiments surrounding his Christian faith while attending the candlelight vigil, hosted on the campus’ quad.

"I felt called by God to pray over everybody, and pray for their families and for everyone surrounding him," Ferraro told Fox News Digital. "And also just to give a devotional, just about how to treat each other with kindness."

This is an excerpt of an article by Fox News' Peter D'Abrosca and Julia Bonavita.

Erika Kirk, the wife of the late Charlie Kirk, posted on Instagram Friday night for the first time since her husband was murdered during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

The post, which had a combination of 12 photos and videos, included very intimate moments showing her mourning over her husband's casket and being comforted by Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance.

In a caption with words very similar to the public remarks she made a few hours earlier, she promised to keep Charlie's name and legacy alive while holding on to her faith in God.

"The world is evil. But our savior. Our Lord. Our God. He ... He is so good. I will never have the words. Ever," her caption reads, in part.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox on Friday condemned the "ugly" and "dark" celebrations of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, noting that hundreds of leaders across party lines had reached out to him to express their sadness and disgust over the fatal shooting.

Cox, in an appearance on Fox News' "Special Report" Friday afternoon, discussed the ongoing investigation into Kirk's murder. 

The conservative activist was fatally shot during a campus event in Utah Wednesday. Authorities have since arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the suspected killer, who is believed to have acted alone, Cox said.

"The investigation is ongoing," Cox said. "They're still following every lead. … But every piece of evidence we have so far makes it very clear that the assassin acted alone."

Cox urged Americans to reject the cycle of political violence and noted that hundreds of Democratic officials had reached out to him to express their ‘true sadness’ and disgust at the attack.

He also warned against conspiracy theories spreading online and called celebratory reactions to Kirk's death "so ugly and so dark."

"Those violent images that we saw are just terrible," Cox said. "We're not conditioned for that type of information. … We've lost too much of our humanity, and it happens in those dark corners of social media. … We just have to find a way to disconnect from that."

The Utah governor, who had spoken with Kirk's family and described their grief as "devastating," said the suspected shooter's actions were motivated by hatred toward the Turning Point USA founder and his beliefs.

This is an excerpt of an article by Fox News Digital's Sophia Compton.

A simple silver cross that Charlie Kirk wore every day has become a symbol of faith and resilience in the wake of his death.

On "The Ingraham Angle" Friday night, Andrew Kolvet, executive producer of "The Charlie Kirk Show" and one of Kirk’s closest friends shared the story behind the now-celebrated necklace.

Kolvet explained that Erika first gave Charlie the cross when they were dating. “She said, you’re a Christian, why don’t you wear a cross? And he said, I don’t know, I’m not a jewelry guy,” Kolvet recalled.

Charlie put it on and never took it off again. “He never took it off until he was assassinated. And the people caring for him ripped it off as they tried to save his life. And Erika has it on her at all times now.”

Earlier this week, Erika was photographed holding that same cross necklace out of her car window. The gesture, Kolvet said was her way of showing strength and reminding the world of Charlie’s faith.

Kolvet called Erika “as strong as iron… a lioness” and praised her courage in the face of devastating loss.

He added that Charlie’s mission of faith, patriotism and family would not stop with his death. “We want Charlie and the influence that he had on this world to multiply. And we’re going to make sure that happens.”

The gray Dodger Challenger believed to be the one owned by Charlie Kirk shooting suspect Tyler Robinson was towed Friday.

Authorities were seen around the vehicle outside the home of Robinson's parents in Utah, and were also gathered around a large truck wearing gloves, and taking and reviewing images.

Investigators reviewed additional video footage from Utah Valley University surveillance cameras and identified Robinson arriving on campus in a gray Dodge Challenger at around 8:20 a.m. on Wednesday.

A family member confirmed with investigators that Robinson had a gray Dodge Challenger.

The White House shared a moving video tribute to the late conservative commentator Charlie Kirk on Friday evening, featuring clips of the late 31-year-old quoting scripture and speaking at events.

"In loving memory of Charlie Kirk, a fearless patriot & man of unwavering faith who dedicated his life to America," the official White House X account posted.

The post also features a quote from Kirk directly, writing "It's bigger than you, I want you to remember that... It's bigger than me - you are here to make somebody else's life better, the pursuit of liberty & freedom."

The co-founder and CEO of Turning Point USA was assassinated on Wednesday at Utah Valley University while beginning his "American Comeback" speaking tour.

His widow, Erika, is expected to make her first public remarks since the incident later tonight.

The Chicago Cubs flew the American flag at half-staff for Friday’s home game against the Tampa Bay Rays in honor of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated during a campus event in Utah on Wednesday. 

The team also held a "moment of reflection" for Kirk, calling for an end to "all political violence." 

"May all of us as Americans come together in solidarity to strengthen our nation, end these senseless acts and turn to civil discourse to discuss our differences," a message said before the game was said throughout the ballpark.  

The Cubs recognized Kirk as a "lifelong" fan before holding the moment of silence. 

The flag at Wrigley Field was flown at half-staff in accordance with MLB’s request that teams follow President Donald Trump’s presidential proclamation.

In a statement to Fox News Digital on Thursday, the league confirmed that it "asked all of the Clubs to follow the direction of the White House Presidential Proclamation and fly flags at half-staff in their ballparks."

This is an excerpt of an article by Fox News Digital's Paulina Dedaj.

Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, will make her first remarks Friday evening since her husband's death, Turning Point USA said.

Kirk will address the media at 8:15 p.m. ET from Arizona, where her husband will be buried.

The event will be livestreamed on Turning Point USA's YouTube, X and Rumble pages.

It will also be shown live on Fox News' "Jesse Watters Primetime."

A popular Ohio barbecue restaurant is facing major backlash after one of its co-owners called conservative activist Charlie Kirk a "piece of s--t" in a social media post following his assassination.

Shortly after Kirk, 31, was shot Wednesday while speaking at a campus event in Utah, Aaron Sharpe, co-owner of Lucius Q in Cincinnati, commented on a Facebook post from someone offering prayers for the husband and father of two.

"Good riddance," Sharpe wrote in a post that is no longer publicly visible but has been circulated widely online in screenshots. "What a piece of s--t," he added.

On Wednesday evening, Sharpe doubled down on Facebook, posting: "Don't you dare come at me with your hypocrisy. … If you think that threats of social media attacks on me or my business will in any way keep me silent about what I believe, you are sorely mistaken."

Many of his social media posts expressed criticism of President Donald Trump, who was an ally of Kirk. A 22-year-old suspect in Kirk's assassination has been arrested, law enforcement officials said Friday.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Sharpe for comment. By late Friday morning, his Facebook account appeared to be deactivated.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News Digital's Deirdre Bardolf.

The president of Utah Valley University on Friday said the college has received "countless" notes of love and support following the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk on campus.

"During this very sad time, we have an opportunity to show that human connection is stronger than violence. That love is stronger than fear," UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez said in a video message.

Tuminez said the school was working with local, state and federal authorities to ensure a safe return to campus. The school will disclose information regarding the re-opening of the school on Friday, she said.

Tuminez said her "heart breaks" for Kirks wife, Erika, and their two young children.

"I grieve with everyone who has been affected," she said.

 An assistant campus director at George Washington University took to social media shortly after the assassination of Charlie Kirk and said it is "fair" that Kirk was gunned down due to his support of gun ownership and the Second Amendment. 

"If nothing else, it is fair, in a nation where children get massacred by gun violence on the regular, the people who advocate for continued gun ownership at the expense of those children are not immune from the consequences of their advocacy," Anthony Pohorilak, assistant director of Academic Initiatives at George Washington University’s Mount Vernon Campus, posted on his personal Facebook after Kirk was killed.

"No thoughts no prayers," the GWU employee added. 

The Facebook post, exclusively obtained by Fox News Digital, received 37 likes and love reactions from Pohorilak’s friend group.

"The George Washington University unequivocally condemns all forms of violence," a university spokesperson told Fox News Digital in a statement.

"As a university with one of the most politically engaged campus communities in the country, we believe everyone is entitled to their beliefs and no one should ever be subject to violence for expressing their views. This individual employee is not authorized to speak on behalf of GW and his opinions do not reflect those of the university."

This is an excerpt from Fox News Digital's Andrew Mark Miller.

The late Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk previously advocated for the death penalty on several occasions, arguing it should apply broadly in murder cases rather than only in the most extreme circumstances.

Officials on Friday identified Tyler Robinson, 22, as the suspect in Kirk's assassination on a Utah college campus. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said the state intends to pursue the death penalty if the case goes to trial, while President Donald Trump also voiced support, saying he hopes Robinson receives the death penalty if found guilty.

Earlier this year, Kirk discussed his stance on capital punishment during an exchange with a student that was captured in a video posted to Turning Point USA’s YouTube channel. Kirk was asked about how he could support a "limited government" while also believing it should have the power to execute people.

"I believe in a small but strong government and, for the record, I believe that someone who took a life should have their life taken," Kirk told the student.

"Under every circumstance?" the student asks Kirk.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News Digital's Sophia Compton.

An air traffic controller in Phoenix honored Charlie Kirk upon the landing of Air Force Two on Thursday after his body was escorted from Utah by Vice President JD Vance.

"Welcome home, Charlie. You didn't deserve it. May God bless your family," an air traffic controller was heard saying while guiding the aircraft.

Kirk will be buried in Phoenix following his assassination while visiting Utah Valley University this week.

There are active discussions within senior ranks at the Justice Department to bring a federal charge or charges against Tyler Robinson, Fox News has learned.

The federal death penalty is in play under U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Robinson has been named by authorities as the shooter who killed Kirk this week while visiting Utah Valley University.

After conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed on Wednesday, Americans across the country donated millions of dollars through online fundraisers for his family, a surge of support underscoring his influence on the right and the legacy he left behind.

On GiveSendGo’s giving platform, fundraising efforts have amassed more than $2.8 million. The company confirmed to Fox News Digital that one campaign set a record for raising the most money in the shortest period of time.

"GiveSendGo has always been a place where people can immediately respond to crises. Within hours of Charlie’s tragic death, friends and supporters had set up a campaign. The fact that it took off so quickly shows just how deeply his life impacted people and how urgent the desire was to support his family," GiveSendGo co-founder and co-CEO Heather Wilson told Fox News Digital.

"What we’re seeing is that people want to respond quickly when tragedy strikes, and crowdfunding has become one of the primary ways they do that.

"We always remind ourselves that behind every campaign are real people who are hurting. Our responsibility is to provide a safe and secure platform for people to rally around one another in times of need," Wilson added. "When the spotlight is on us, we don’t see it as pressure. We see it as an opportunity to point people back to hope, generosity and community."

This is an excerpt from an article by FOX Business' Kristen Altus.