Donald Trump found himself issuing an apology to Erika Kirk, the wife of Charlie Kirk, as he contemplated the idea of ‘forgiveness’ concerning the individual who killed the commentator.
Thousands gathered for Kirk’s memorial service on Sunday, September 21, held at the State Farm Stadium in Arizona. Many attendees came forward to share heartfelt words about the 31-year-old right-wing commentator.
Among them was Kirk’s wife, Erika, who delivered a moving speech, citing biblical teachings about forgiving those who cause harm.
She elaborated on her decision to extend forgiveness to the murderer, referencing Jesus’ teachings on forgiving the perpetrator responsible for her husband’s tragic death.
Kirk was fatally shot while addressing an audience at Utah Valley University on September 10.
The FBI has since apprehended and charged Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old from Utah, as the suspected murderer.
The charges against Robinson include aggravated murder, two counts of obstruction of justice, felonious discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, two counts of witness tampering, and committing a violent crime in the presence of a child.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether federal charges will be brought against the 22-year-old.
In her speech, Erika remarked that her husband was on a mission to ‘help save young men, just like the one who took his life’.
She continued: “That young man, that young man.
“On the cross, our savior said: ‘Father, forgive them for they know not 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 answer we know from the gospel is love and always love, love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.”
Donald Trump, however, expressed a contrasting viewpoint.
The former US president also addressed the crowd during the service, delivering an extensive speech.
He offered an apology to Erika, admitting that he ‘hated his opponents’ and did not wish them well.
Discussing Kirk’s message, which he found himself at odds with, Trump stated: “He did not hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them.
“That’s where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponent, and I don’t want the best for them.
“I’m sorry. I am sorry, Erika, but now Erika can talk to me, and the whole group, and maybe they can convince me that that’s not right, but I can’t stand my opponent.”