The widow of murdered conservative activist Charlie Kirk canceled her scheduled appearance at a political event with Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday after receiving death threats, according to the vice president.
Speaking to students at the University of Georgia in Athens, Vance confirmed that Erika Kirk had received threatening messages. “I know that she did get some threats,” Vance told the audience. “I was a little worried that we were going to have to cancel the event because Erika was not going to come, and she was very worried about it.”
The vice president indicated he had consulted with Secret Service personnel about the situation but expressed no concerns regarding his personal security. Vance did not provide specific information about the nature of the threats against Kirk, who currently serves as chief executive of Turning Point USA.
Neither the Secret Service nor Turning Point USA provided immediate responses when contacted for additional information.
Charlie Kirk was fatally shot in September while delivering a speech at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The suspected gunman is facing murder charges in connection with the killing, which law enforcement officials have characterized as politically driven. Kirk had helped establish Turning Point USA as an organization aimed at mobilizing young people around conservative political issues.
The tragic incident has heightened discussions about political violence across America, drawing widespread criticism from leaders on both sides of the political aisle and resulting in enhanced security measures at university events featuring prominent political personalities.
