\n<\/p>\n
Erika Kirk was scheduled to appear at a Turning Point USA event at the University of Georgia on Tuesday night, but was forced to stay home after receiving what organizers described as \u201cvery serious threats.\u201d<\/p>\n
Vice President JD Vance still moved forward with his planned appearance and delivered remarks to students at the event, which proceeded as scheduled with TPUSA leader Andrew Kolvet taking Kirk\u2019s place. Vance addressed Erika Kirk\u2019s absence at the start, saying he had been concerned the event might be canceled. He said he spoke with the Secret Service and ultimately told Kirk to \u201cdo what she needs to do for herself and her family.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nNEWS: Erika Kirk had to skip tonight\u2019s TPUSA event due to threats, @AndrewKolvet<\/a> says. He\u2019s interviewing Vice President Vance in her place. pic.twitter.com\/IxJgycjexU<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Mary Margaret Olohan (@MaryMargOlohan) April 14, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
It\u2019s not clear why Kirk stepped back following threats made in her direction, while Vance \u2014 who operates under some of the most extensive security protection in the world \u2014 was still able to take the stage. Erika Kirk posted on X during the event, saying that \u201cafter all our family has been through, I take my security team\u2019s recommendations extremely seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nI was so looking forward to tonight\u2019s event at the @universityofga<\/a> with our Vice President @JDVance<\/a>, but after all our family has been through, I take my security team\u2019s recommendations extremely seriously. Thank you to our amazing Georgia chapter for your support. God bless you\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/f2rBre9ArJ<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Erika Kirk (@MrsErikaKirk) April 14, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The suspect charged in the assassination of Erika Kirk\u2019s late husband, TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk\u2019s, remains in custody and faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty. Charlie Kirk was assassinated in 2025 while speaking at a campus event. Since then, Erika Kirk has taken on a more public role leading the organization and continuing its work nationwide.<\/p>\n
\nNewsy remarks from VP Vance:<\/p>\n
\u2013 People attacking Erika Kirk instead of those harming the US are part of the problem, not the solution.
\u2013 He called Kash Patel about the attacks on @Savsays<\/a> on the way down here and Patel promised to investigate the left wing groups involved
\u2013 He\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/ef8Q6WRsqw<\/a><\/p>\n\u2014 Mary Margaret Olohan (@MaryMargOlohan) April 14, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Her decision to step back comes as she has also been at the center of a growing controversy involving commentator Candace Owens, who recently announced an \u201cinvestigative series\u201d targeting Kirk titled \u201cBride of Charlie.\u201d<\/p>\n
The series has sparked backlash across the conservative movement. Daily Wire editor emeritus Ben Shapiro blasted Owens in a recent video, calling Owens an \u201cevil, twisted human being\u201d and accusing her of profiting off Charlie Kirk\u2019s assassination by promoting conspiracy theories and targeting his widow. Shapiro urged Erika Kirk to \u201csue the living hell\u201d out of Owens over the project.<\/p>\n
Vance delivered an emotional defense of Erika Kirk, describing the grief she\u2019s endured since her husband\u2019s assassination and blasting critics who have questioned her.<\/p>\n
Vance reflected on the raw, unpredictable nature of grief \u2014 saying Kirk has been navigating overwhelming emotions while also trying to preserve Charlie Kirk\u2019s legacy and care for her children, who may grow up without lasting memories of their father.<\/p>\n
He said the attacks against her have been \u201cone of the most disgraceful things\u201d he\u2019s seen in public life, before sharing a deeply personal moment he witnessed alongside his wife after Charlie Kirk\u2019s death.<\/p>\n
\n.@VP<\/a>: \u201cThe people telling you that Erika wasn\u2019t grieving her husband are full of shit.\u201d pic.twitter.com\/7qpQUZi80y<\/a><\/p>\n