Tim Allen has revealed that he has finally found it in his heart to forgive the man responsible for his father’s death over sixty years ago. He was inspired by Erika Kirk’s moving eulogy for her late husband, Charlie Kirk.
Charlie Kirk, a well-known political activist, tragically passed away after being shot in the neck during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 10.
The founder of Turning Point USA was killed in front of a crowd of 3,000 people, which included his wife, former Miss Arizona Erika Kirk, and their two young children.
Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused sniper, is facing seven charges, among them aggravated murder and witness tampering.
During a heartfelt speech at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, Erika Kirk bravely expressed her forgiveness towards her husband’s alleged killer.
She conveyed her desire to ‘help save young men, just like the one who took [Charlie’s] life,’ and quoted: “On the cross, our savior said: ‘Father, forgive them for they not know what they do.’
“That man, that young man, I forgive him. I forgive him because it was what Christ did, and it is what Charlie would do.
“The answer to hate is not hate. The gospel teaches us that the answer is love, love for our enemies, and love for those who persecute us.”
The powerful moment resonated across the United States and beyond, prompting Tim Allen, the star of Home Improvement, to express on X, formerly known as Twitter, how deeply he was moved by Erika’s message.
Her words touched him so profoundly that Allen announced he forgives the man responsible for his father’s death when he was just 11 years old.
Allen’s father, Gerald M. Dick, a real estate agent, lost his life in November 1964 when a drunk driver crashed into his car.
Over the years, Allen has opened up about the profound impact of his father’s death on his life, including his struggles with faith, feelings of injustice, and the heartbreaking reality of how the loss ‘changed everything forever.’
On Thursday (September 25), Allen posted to X: “When Erika Kirk spoke the words about the man who killed her husband: ‘That man… that young man… I forgive him.’
“That moment deeply affected me. I have struggled for over 60 years to forgive the man who killed my Dad. I will say those words now as I type: ‘I forgive the man who killed my father.’ Peace be with you all.”