From PBS NewsHour.
Erika Kirk said Sunday that she forgave the man who has been charged with killing her husband, conservative political activist Charlie Kirk, earlier this month.
Kirk referenced the Bible’s recounting of Christ’s crucifixion during her remarks at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
"My husband Charlie, he wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life," she said. "On the cross, our savior said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they not know what they do.’ That young man — I forgive him."
She said she forgave the suspected shooter, who has been charged with aggravated murder and other counts, "because it was what Christ did and 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," Erika Kirk, who is taking over as head of her late husband’s organization, Turning Point USA, said.
After her remarks, President Donald Trump addressed the near-capacity crowd at the stadium and offered a different message about Charlie Kirk.
"He was a missionary with a noble spirit and a great great purpose. 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," he said as some in the crowd laughed and reacted audibly. "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."
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