Erika Kirk said she has forgiven the person allegedly responsible for killing her husband, at a memorial service for Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Sept. 21.
"That young man, I forgive him," Kirk said. "I forgive him because it's what Christ did, and it's what Charlie would do."
She wiped away tears and quoted scripture while offering forgiveness to 21-year-old Tyler Robinson.
Calling for grace, Kirk told the tens of thousands in attendance and millions more around the world watching livestreams that responding to hate with hate is never the answer.
She honored her husband's faith and his dedication to serving a higher purpose
"When you say, 'Here I am, Lord, use me,' God will take you up on that, and he did with Charlie," Kirk said.
His life, cut short at 31, was one of spiritual devotion, she said.
"While Charlie died far too early, he was also ready to die," Kirk explained. "There was nothing he was putting off. He left this world without regrets."
The political organization founded by her husband will continue to grow its faith-based outreach, with thousands of new pastors and more congregations planned in the near future, according to Kirk, who was appointed CEO of Turning Point USA on Sept. 18.
"Charlie died with incomplete work but without unfinished business," Kirk said, noting his success at getting "young people pointed in the right direction."
His commitment to freedom and the nation's founding principles will endure, she said.
"No assassin will ever stop us from standing up to defend those rights," Kirk said, emphasizing the need for free speech, open dialogue, and debate during difficult times.
"When we lose the ability to communicate, we get violence."
At a time of despair, she found comfort seeing the "faintest smile" when viewing her husband's dead body.
"That revealed for me a great mercy from God in this tragedy," Kirk said.
"Let the miracle that was Charlie's life be your turning point, as well."