Erika Kirk Receives Standing Ovation as She Cheers on Donald Trump at Republican Convention Ahead of Husband Charlie's First Death Anniversary: Photos

Erika Kirk received an emotional show of support on the eve of the first anniversary of her husband Charlie Kirk's death.

The Turning Point USA CEO attended the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, Tx., on Wednesday, September 9, where she watched President Donald Trump deliver his keynote address before receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.

Erika was photographed in the audience at the American Airlines Center as Donald addressed Republican supporters during the first night of the two-day convention.

Though she wasn't scheduled to speak, the widow was seen listening to the president's remarks from the crowd.

The appearance came one day before the first anniversary of Charlie's death on September 10, 2025.

Trump eventually turned his attention to Erika while speaking about her late husband.

After asking where she was seated, cameras turned toward Erika and attendees rose to their feet to applaud her.

The crowd then broke into chants of "Charlie! Charlie! Charlie!" as Erika acknowledged the emotional reception.

Trump used part of his lengthy keynote address to remember Charlie and reflect on the conservative activist's death.

"In Charlie's honor, I just want to say we love you, Charlie," the president told the crowd before recognizing Erika in the audience.

Charlie was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on September 10, 2025.

In the years since losing her husband, Erika has stepped into a prominent role at the organization he helped build.

She became CEO and board chair of Turning Point USA following Charlie's death and has continued leading the conservative organization and appearing at political events.

Charlie cofounded Turning Point USA in 2012, growing the organization around conservative political activism, particularly among young people.

Erika has spoken publicly about her grief on multiple occasions since her husband's death and has participated in events honoring his life.

At Charlie's September 2025 memorial service in Arizona, she became emotional while recalling seeing her husband's body after his death. Trump also spoke at the memorial before embracing Erika onstage at the conclusion of the event.

Events commemorating Charlie were planned around the anniversary, including Turning Point USA gathering in Utah.

Erika was also scheduled to deliver a prerecorded address to the Truth & Liberty Conference on September 10 as part of events coinciding with the anniversary.