Erika Kirk has spoken out about feeling like “cameras [are] analyzing” her every move following a viral video of her embracing Vice President JD Vance.
In her first major interview, the 36-year-old told Fox News' Jesse Watters that she has felt constantly scrutinized by the public and media alike since her husband was shot and killed during an event at Utah Valley University on September 10.
“There were cameras all over my husband when he was murdered,” she 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. We deserve to have cameras in there.”
“Why not be transparent?” she continued, pushing for court proceedings in the murder trial to be made public.
“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," she added.
Backlash over viral embrace with JD Vance
Erika's comments come after she introduced the Vice President at a Turning Point USA event in Mississippi, a moment that quickly ignited online chatter.
As Vance walked on stage, the two shared an embrace in which he reportedly placed his hands on her waist, while the widow ran her fingers through his hair.
Her introduction only fueled speculation: “No one will ever replace Charlie, but I do see some similarities of my husband in JD, Vice President JD Vance,” she told the crowd.
Erika has taken over the role of CEO at TPUSA following her husband’s death.
At the same event in the University of Mississippi, the widow was visibly emotional as she was introduced by a past recording of the late right-wing influencer calling her “the best mom in the world,” “hero,” and “love of [his] life.”
Backstage, Erika, wearing a white T-shirt bearing the word “Freedom” - echoing Kirk's shirt on the day of his assassination - was seen softly crying.
Erika was also in tears during her Fox News interview as she watched old video footage of Kirk. “Sorry, guys. Just give me a second,” she said tearfully. “This is the longest video I have watched of him. Just give me a second.”
When asked whether she had signed up to carry on her husband's mission to “save Western civilization,” she quietly responded: “I didn't sign up for anything. I just married the love of my life.”
The ongoing murder case
Tyler Robinson, 22, has allegedly confessed to killing Kirk. He is awaiting trial, where he will face charges of murder and attempted political retribution.
DNA evidence and texts tie the suspect to the crime. According to authorities, he turned himself in over three hours away in southwest Utah and is now being held on suicide watch in the Utah County Jail, wearing an anti-suicide smock.
Erika has previously spoken of her decision to forgive Robinson, saying at her husband’s memorial: “He (Charlie) wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life… That man, that young man, I forgive him.”