Erika Kirk Honors Late Husband’s Friendship with JD Vance

Erika Kirk is determined to maintain her late husband Charlie Kirk’s connections following his tragic death.

Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University last month while hosting a Turning Point USA event. He was seated under an open tent, taking questions from the audience, when he was killed.

He is survived by Erika and their two young children. After his passing, Erika pledged to continue his work and became the new CEO of Turning Point USA.

Erika Sticks to Her Word

True to her promise, Erika hosted an event on October 29 at the University of Mississippi as part of the “This Is the Turning Point” tour. She invited Vice President JD Vance to speak.

Before he took the stage, Erika addressed the audience:

“When our team asked my dear friend, Vice President JD Vance, to speak today, I really prayed on it because, obviously, it’s a very emotional, emotional day.”

She described Vance as “a very, very dear friend” and added,

“No one will ever replace my husband, but I do see some similarities in JD.”

The Hug That Made Headlines

When Vance approached the stage, he hugged Erika before speaking. During the embrace, Erika placed her hand on the back of Vance’s head—a gesture that drew attention online.

Some questioned the appropriateness of Erika touching the Vice President’s head during the hug. UNILAD contacted Vance and Turning Point USA for comment.

People felt Erika’s actions towards the vice president were inappropriate (Brad Vest/Getty Images)

Vance Comments on Faith

Another topic at the event was Vance discussing his wife Usha’s religion. He revealed that she grew up in a “not particularly religious” Hindu family but often attends church with him.

Vance said:

“I honestly do wish that because I believe in the Christian gospel, and I hope eventually my wife comes to see it the same way. If she doesn’t, then God says everybody has free will, so that doesn’t cause a problem for me. That’s something you work out.”

Erika Kirk continues to lead Turning Point USA and honor her late husband’s legacy, navigating both public attention and the organization’s ongoing mission.