Erika Kirk and JD Vance’s hug sparked outrage, critics called it “inappropriate” after she compared him to Charlie Kirk.Details in the comments
When Charlie Kirk was assassinated last month during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University, the tragedy sent shockwaves through both political and public circles. The 31-year-old conservative activist was fatally shot while taking questions from the audience, leaving behind his wife, Erika Kirk, and their two young children.
In the weeks that followed, Erika vowed to honor his legacy — stepping into her late husband’s role as CEO of Turning Point USA and promising to “complete his vision.” Her first major appearance came during the organization’s “This Is the Turning Point” tour stop at the University of Mississippi on October 29.
Taking the stage with visible emotion, Erika addressed the crowd: “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 day.” She called Vance “a very, very dear friend,” adding, “No one will ever replace my husband, but I do see some similarities in JD.”
Those words — and what happened moments later — sparked an online firestorm.