Erika Kirk Firm on Not Viewing Husband's Assassination Video, Calls Public Viewing "Sick"

Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has publicly stated she has never watched the widely circulated video of her husband's assassination and intends never to do so. Speaking in her first television interview since the September 10 tragedy, Kirk emphasized her desire to protect herself and her children from the graphic footage. Her comments come amidst widespread online dissemination of the assassination video, raising questions about media gatekeeping and the impact of graphic content.

In an emotional interview with Fox News host Jesse Watters, Erika Kirk articulated her firm stance. "I never saw the video, I never will see it, I never want to see it," she stated, adding, "There are certain things you see in your life that can never be un-seen." She further expressed, "I don’t want my husband’s public assassination to be something I ever see, I don’t want my kids to ever see that."

Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University. The immediate aftermath saw graphic video of the incident quickly spread across social media platforms, including X, Facebook, and TikTok. This rapid circulation underscored a shift in how news and violent events are consumed, often bypassing traditional media's editorial controls.

Erika Kirk also condemned those who actively seek out and share the distressing footage. "For people who actually enjoy watching that, it is quite literally sick," she remarked, urging a "perspective shift" by asking viewers to consider if the victim were their own family member. She has since taken over as CEO of Turning Point USA, continuing her husband's legacy while navigating personal grief.

Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged in connection with Charlie Kirk's assassination. Despite the horrific nature of the crime, Erika Kirk has reportedly expressed forgiveness for her husband's killer and stated her opposition to the death penalty for the assailant. Her interview provided a poignant insight into the personal toll of such a public tragedy and the challenges of managing grief in the digital age.