New details are emerging regarding Charlie Kirk's family, who were present at the time he was assassinated.
Kirk, the co-founder of conservative nonprofit Turning Point USA, was assassinated during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on September 10.
The 31-year-old was fatally shot in the neck while answering student questions in a Q&A session.
The gunman is still at large, and authorities are urgently seeking help from the public. According to officials, the fatal shot came from the roof of the Losee Center, located roughly 200 feet from where Kirk was speaking.
The FBI’s Salt Lake City office released security footage of the suspect, believed to be a college-aged male dressed in black sunglasses, a black long-sleeved shirt, black pants, and a hat.
"We are asking for the public's help identifying this person of interest in connection with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University," the FBI said on X. A $100,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
Wife Erika Kirk devastated but drawing strength from her Christian faith
Kirk’s wife, Erika, 36, is said to be struggling with the sudden loss while caring for the couple’s two young children - a three-year-old daughter and a 16-month-old son.
Sources told NewsNation she is “leaning on her faith” to get through the grief.
Jack Posobiec, a contributor to Turning Point USA and close friend of the family, said Erika is “unbelievably strong” and deeply rooted in her faith, per The Sun.
“At the same time someone's going to have to explain to his son and daughter why their dad didn't come home yesterday,” he said.
Posobiec continued: “Erika is a prayer warrior, her and Charlie are very devout believers, they are very very deeply Christian. When you see the cameras turn off, the lights go down, they immediately go back to faith - this is something they live 24/7.
“It is not something that only exists in front of the camera, that is something that they absolutely walk every single day. Because they have that firm reliance in faith, [Erika] has that ability to be able to go through this with that kind of strength that really only comes from heaven.”
Erika has yet to release a public statement, but Utah’s Department of Public Safety Commissioner noted the family is “devastated.”
Charlie and Erika's Story
Charlie and Erika Kirk had been married since May 2021.
According to Erika’s posts, the couple had a “very intimate” wedding ceremony in Arizona without bridesmaids or groomsmen. They recently celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary.
Erika, who was crowned Miss Arizona USA in 2012, grew up in a tight-knit Catholic family and attended Arizona State University, where she double-majored in political science and international relations.
She later founded BIBLEin365, a ministry program designed to help individuals engage with scripture daily.
Her bio reads: "Above all, Erika cherishes her role as the wife of Charlie Kirk and the mother of their precious son and daughter.
"As she continues to grow in her ministry, leadership, and entrepreneurial endeavors, Erika remains committed to inspiring others to live with purpose, rooted in faith, and driven by the love of Christ in every aspect of life."
She also shared advice to newly engaged couples: "If you’re newly engaged and feeling the rush and pressure of preparing for the 'big day'... Slow down. It’s one day; yes, it marks a new chapter of life. Yes, it symbolizes a special covenant between you, your husband and the Lord.
"But remember it’s the days afterward that matter more. Reframe your mindset. Don’t stress over the flowers or linens. Weddings turn people crazy and can bring out unnecessary family drama; let it go."