Erika Kirk's words during her husband's memorial service brought Jimmy Kimmel to tears during his comeback monologue.
As widely reported, Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University as part of his "American Comeback" campus tour.
At a memorial service for the late 31-year-old held on September 21 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, his widow, Erika, gave an emotional address to the crowd.
Erika Kirk's speech moved Jimmy Kimmel to tears
During her speech, the mom-of-two shared her personal decision to forgive her husband's alleged killer, Tyler Robinson.
"My husband, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life," she said.
"That man, that young man, I forgive him.
"I forgive him because it was what Christ did, and it is what Charlie would do."
Jimmy Kimmel’s Emotional Response
The 57-year-old late-night host became visibly emotional as he reflected on Erika’s speech during his monologue.
“I’ve been hearing a lot about what I need to say and do tonight,” he said, before admitting that he didn't believe his words would change anyone’s mind.
He then shared his admiration for Erika's act of grace and forgiveness: “Erika Kirk forgave the man who shot her husband. She forgave him," Kimmel said.
"That is an example we should follow. If you believe in the teachings of Jesus as I do, there it was.
"That’s it. A selfless act of grace, forgiveness from a grieving widow."
The late-night host explained how "deeply" moved he was by her message.
“If there’s anything we should take from this tragedy to carry forward, I hope it can be that and not this," he concluded.
Clarifying Past Remarks
Kimmel also took a moment to address some backlash over his previous comments about the suspect.
"It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man," he said, wiping away tears. "I don’t think there’s anything funny about it."
He further explained that he didn’t intend to place blame on any specific group for Robinson’s actions, a point he had made during his September 15 broadcast.
“I posted a message on Instagram the day he was killed, sending love to his family and asking for compassion, and I meant it and I still do,” he clarified.
Kimmel acknowledged that some viewers may have misunderstood his earlier remarks and apologized for any confusion caused.
"But I understand that to some that felt either ill-timed or unclear, or maybe both. And for those who think I did point a finger… I get why you're upset," he said.
"If the situation was reversed, there's a good chance I'd have felt the same way."
The prominent founder of Turning Point USA's death has sparked polarized reactions.
While some have blamed "radical left" groups for the incident, sources within the investigation have found no evidence linking Robinson to such groups, per NBC News.