Charlie Kirk's Memorial Highlighted by his Wife Erika Kirk's Forgiveness to the Shooter

"I forgive him because that's what Christ did and what Charlie would do." Erika Kirk forgave her husband's killer at the memorial event for Charlie Kirk.
"I forgive him. I forgive him because that's what Christ did and what Charlie would do. The answer to hate is not hate, but love for our enemies." Erika Kirk, the widow of the murdered Charlie Kirk, forgave her husband's killer on Sunday, Sept. 21, evening (local time) at a moving farewell ceremony that was broadcast live worldwide. 75,000 people attended the memorial service in the stadium in Phoenix, Arizona. Tens of thousands more people also gathered outside the stadium. Numerous live television broadcasts allowed the event was seen around the world. Erika Kirk's speech was the climax of the several-hour event, which began with Christian worship music. This was later followed by short reports and testimonies of faith from friends of Charlie Kirk. At the end, US President Donald Trump spoke.

But the highlight, was the forgiveness of Catholic Christian Erika Kirk. "My husband wanted to save young people. Exactly people like the one who then took his own life." In a shaky voice and with her gaze raised to heaven, Erika Kirk expressed this forgiveness. In doing so, she bore witness to Christianity, which the world rarely sees. "On the cross, our Savior said: 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.' To this young man: I forgive him."

Erika Kirk's most important message to the world in her speech was: "The answer to hate is not hate." 

Numerous politicians, as well as Catholic bishops such as Bishop Robert Barron, were present at the memorial service. And the event reportedly contributed to a reconciliation between Trump and Elon Musk.  Bishop Barron said after the event: "I was moved to hear the name of Jesus often spoken by our government officials, especially when Erika Kirk granted forgiveness to the man who killed her husband—Christ's call to love one's enemies was clearly evident here."
The speech moved a number of people around the world: Elon Musk posted the following sentence on X: "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." He previously posted: "Charlie was murdered by darkness because he showed people the light."
Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco posted on X: "Erika Kirk has publicly forgiven her husband's killer. She said her husband wanted to save the lost young people of Western civilization like him. She concluded, 'Let Charlie's life be a turning point for you too: Choose prayer. Choose courage. Choose beauty. Choose adventure. Choose family. Choose a life of faith. And most of all, choose Christ.' Amen. May Our Lady comfort her. May the Lord bless her. May Charlie Kirk rest in the peace of the Lord."
Franklin Graham, one of the most well-known US preachers, wrote on X: "The name of Jesus was clearly heard today at Charlie Kirk's memorial service in Glendale, Arizona. Speaker after speaker praised Jesus Christ, the gospel was clearly shared with all who listened. 

As I watched, I couldn't help but say, "Thank you, Lord!" Vice President @JDVance said the service wasn't a funeral—it was a revival! I'm so proud of @MrsErikaKirk—forgiving her husband's killer was difficult. I pray that Charlie's voice will be multiplied as thousands of young people on our college campuses proclaim the truth, including the eternal truth of the gospel."
Among the other speakers, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was touching. He explained the history of salvation in just a few seconds.