Erika Kirk hasn’t stepped back from her husband’s work since his death. Charlie Kirk was killed at Utah Valley University last month while hosting a Turning Point USA event. He was answering questions under an open tent when he was shot in the neck.
He left behind his wife, Erika, and their two young children. After the tragedy, Erika promised to continue his mission and took over as CEO of the organization. She kept that promise and recently hosted an event at the University of Mississippi as part of the “This Is the Turning Point” tour.
Before Vice President JD Vance went on stage, Erika spoke to the crowd. She said: “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 then called him “a very, very dear friend,” adding, “No one will ever replace my husband, but I do see some similarities in JD.”
Vance joined her on stage and hugged her before speaking. During the embrace, Erika placed her hand on the back of his head, which quickly drew attention online. Some viewers called the moment intimate and said it crossed a line.
One person commented that Vance’s wife might have something to say about that hug. Another said, “I have never wanted to touch any man’s hair during a hug other than my husbands. This is weird.” A third joked, “JD Vance and Erika Kirk are one inappropriate appearance away from claiming that God spoke to them and they have to get married now.” Others questioned why she would touch the vice president’s head during the embrace.
Neither Vance nor Turning Point USA has responded to requests for comment. The moment overshadowed the rest of the event, but another part of the night also caught people’s attention. Vance spoke about his wife’s Hindu background and said he hopes she will one day become a Christian.
He 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.” He added: “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.”
