Erika Kirk Marks First Anniversary of Charlie Kirk’s Death Privately With Family

Erika Kirk is marking the first anniversary of her husband Charlie Kirk’s assassination privately, spending the day with the couple’s two young children, family members and close friends.

A family spokesperson said Erika remains grateful for the prayers, love and support that she and her family have received during the year since Charlie was killed. The family is remembering him primarily as a husband and father as memorial events take place across the country.

Charlie Kirk was assassinated on Sept. 10, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University during one of his campus events. He was 31 years old. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from supporters and political figures across the country.

Erika, 37, took over as CEO of Turning Point USA shortly after her husband’s death and has spent the past year continuing the organization he founded. Despite taking on a much more prominent public role, she has also spoken openly about raising their children while coping with the loss of her husband.

Ahead of the anniversary, Erika reflected publicly on the grief she has experienced over the past year. She described enduring birthdays, holidays, their wedding anniversary and milestones involving their children without Charlie and said she has learned that grief can coexist with moments of happiness.

Erika has credited Usha Vance, the wife of Vice President JD Vance, with giving her advice that helped her through the immediate aftermath of Charlie’s death. She said she learned to focus on getting through grief in small increments rather than trying to comprehend everything at once.

Erika also attended the Republican midterm convention in Dallas on Wednesday, where President Donald Trump recognized her from the stage. Trump spoke about Charlie’s death and the devastating experience Erika and her family have endured during the past year.

While Erika is spending the anniversary privately, public memorials honoring Charlie are being held in several locations. Turning Point USA organized events at its Phoenix headquarters and near Utah Valley University, while additional gatherings were planned elsewhere in the United States and overseas.

The Republican convention in Dallas is also honoring Charlie, with Vice President JD Vance scheduled to deliver the keynote address Thursday night. Vance was a close friend of Charlie and has remained close with the Kirk family since his death.

One year after the assassination, Erika has continued balancing her role leading Turning Point USA with raising the couple’s children and preserving Charlie’s memory. Her decision to spend the anniversary away from the public ceremonies keeps the focus of the day on her family and the personal loss they experienced.