Erika Kirk Takes Second Amendment Stance While Addressing Husband's Death

Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk insisted that the assassination of her husband, Charlie Kirk, was "not a gun problem" as she reaffirmed her support of the Second Amendment during the New York Times' Dealbook Conference on Wednesday (December 3).

The widow, who took over the role previously held by her husband, Turning Point USA's co-founder, after his death in September, instead shifted blame to mental health and divisive politics.

“What I’ve realized through all of this is that you can have individuals that will always resort to violence. And what I’m afraid of is that we are living in a day and age where they think violence is the solution to them not wanting to hear a different point of view,” she said. “That’s not a gun problem, that’s a human — deeply human — problem. That is a soul problem, that is a mental… that is a very deeper issue.”

Kirk added that she'd continue to support the right to bear arms even after the shooting that killed her husband.

“I wouldn’t wish upon anyone what I have been through, and I support the Second Amendment as well,” she added.

Kirk also addressed her decision to forgive the suspected shooter in her husband's death, which took place during a public Turning Point USA event on the Utah Valley University campus on September 10.

“I don’t expect everyone to understand,” Kirk said.

“It’s not because you’re weak, it’s not because you think what the assassin did was correct,” she continued. “That’s the exact opposite. Forgiveness is… for those of you who’ve been wronged, you know what it feels like to forgive someone. And in a way, where it frees you from a poison, and it frees you to be able to think clearly and have a moment where your heart is free and you’re not bound to evil.”