A body language expert has analyzed the viral "intimate" moment between Erika Kirk and Vice President JD Vance at a recent Turning Point USA event.
The moment took place moments after the widow introduced the Vice President on stage at a TPUSA event in Mississippi.
“No one will ever replace Charlie,” she told the crowd, referencing her late husband Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead during an event at Utah Valley University in September.
“But I do see some similarities of my husband in JD, Vice President JD Vance.”
As Vance joined her on stage, the two shared an embrace where he reportedly placed his hands on Erika’s waist, while she ran her fingers through his hair - a moment that quickly lit up social media and drew scrutiny from the public.
Erika Kirk and U.S. Vice President JD Vance have gone viral. Credit: Brad Vest / Getty
Expert Weighs In
Body language expert Annie Sarnblad took to TikTok to break down the embrace, particularly focusing on Erika’s movements during the interaction.
Looking at Vance first, Sarnblad noted: “He gives a tight hug with a pat on the back,” adding, “Some people often pat people on the back - that’s just kind of how they manage a longer hug.
"And for some people, patting on the back is what they do to comfort someone else.”
However, it was the 36-year-old's gesture that caught the most attention. “It’s the move to slide her hands up and grasp and cradle his hand that is getting so much attention,” Sarnblad explained.
“It’s a move women do when we are in a deep kiss, which is why it looks so intimate.”
The expert went on to highlight another gesture, saying that when the mom-of-two gripped the 41-year-old's shoulders after the hug, it signaled “affection and closeness".
“That said, grief can do really wonky things to humans,” she concluded.
“But this is wonky for sure.”
Erika speaks out: “Analyzing my every move”
The heartbroken widow has since responded to the intense attention following the moment.
In her first sit-down interview with Fox News’ Jesse Watters since the fatal shooting, she expressed frustration at the level of public scrutiny she’s endured.
“There were cameras all over my husband when he was murdered,” Erika said.
“There have been cameras all over my friends and family, mourning. There have been cameras all over me. Analyzing my every move, analyzing my every smile, my every tear.”
She continued: “Why not be transparent? There's nothing to hide. I know there's not, because I've seen what the case is built on. Let everyone see what true evil is. This is something that could impact a generation and generations to come."
Later, during her interview, the mom broke down again as she watched old footage of her husband. “Sorry, guys. Just give me a second,” she said tearfully. “This is the longest video I have watched of him.”
Asked if she felt she had taken on Kirk's mission to “save Western civilization,” she quietly replied: “I didn’t sign up for anything. I just married the love of my life.”
Charlie Kirk was assassinated on Wednesday, 10th September. Credit: Justin Sullivan / Getty
The case against Tyler Robinson
Meanwhile, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who has allegedly confessed to killing Kirk, remains in custody.
Robinson is facing charges of murder and attempted political retribution.