Erika Kirk pulled out of a Turning Point USA event at the University of Georgia on April 14 after receiving serious threats, organizers said. Vice President JD Vance went ahead with his appearance, where Andrew Kolvet interviewed him in her place. Vance addressed her absence and defended her amid recent controversies.
Erika Kirk, widow of assassinated Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, was set to join Vice President JD Vance at the organization's event on the University of Georgia campus on Tuesday night. Organizers described the threats against her as very serious, prompting her security team to advise staying home. Kirk posted on X that after her family's experiences, she takes such recommendations seriously, thanking the Georgia chapter for support. The event proceeded as planned with TPUSA leader Andrew Kolvet stepping in to interview Vance, who expressed concern it might be canceled and consulted the Secret Service before telling Kirk to prioritize her family. Vance opened by defending Kirk, calling attacks on her one of the most disgraceful things he has seen in public life. He recounted holding her hand with his wife hugging her as they loaded Charlie Kirk's body onto Air Force Two and recited the Lord's Prayer, adding, “The people telling you that Erika wasn’t grieving her husband are full of sh*t.” Vance also criticized those attacking her instead of threats to the US and said he called Kash Patel about assaults on commentator @Savsays, with Patel promising to probe left-wing groups. Kirk's absence follows controversy over Candace Owens' announced series “Bride of Charlie,” targeting her and drawing backlash. Ben Shapiro called Owens an “evil, twisted human being” for profiting off the assassination via conspiracy theories and urged Kirk to sue. Charlie Kirk was killed in 2025 at a campus event; the suspect faces aggravated murder charges and a possible death penalty.
