LIV Golf star Phil Mickelson weighed in on the national conversation surrounding Charlie Kirk’s legacy, praising Erika Kirk’s emotional memorial speech while taking aim at two Democratic lawmakers. Mickelson’s comments sparked fresh debate as reactions to Kirk’s assassination continue to ripple across politics and culture.
What Happened
At State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Erika Kirk addressed more than 70,000 mourners less than two weeks after her husband, conservative activist Charlie Kirk, was shot and killed during a Utah Valley University event. Her words of forgiveness toward her husband’s alleged assassin stunned many and quickly spread across social media.
Phil Mickelson, among those moved by her remarks, shared on X: “Amazing strength, and amazing grace.” But he went further, contrasting Erika’s message with what he described as “hateful rhetoric” from Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas).
“While (Ilhan) and Jasmine are speaking hateful rhetoric, Erika Kirk is saying this. I have no words. Amazing,” Mickelson wrote.
Who Was Charlie Kirk
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was a defining voice for young conservatives and a close ally of former President Donald Trump. By age 31, he had built a $95 million political organization, cultivated millions of online followers, and shaped the conservative youth movement. He was assassinated on September 10, 2025, at an outdoor campus event in Utah, sparking widespread tributes and controversy alike.
Omar and Crockett’s Reactions
Rep. Ilhan Omar faced criticism after she labeled Kirk “Dr. Frankenstein” in a post following his death. On CNN, she doubled down, saying:
“His legacy should be left in the dustbin of history … we should hopefully move on and forget the hate that he spewed every single day.”
Rep. Jasmine Crockett also pushed back against efforts to formally honor Kirk, highlighting the racial breakdown of congressional votes on a resolution.
“For the most part, the only people that voted no were people of color,” Crockett said, adding that Kirk’s rhetoric had specifically targeted minority communities.
Erika Kirk’s Memorial Speech
In her tribute, Erika Kirk emphasized forgiveness, compassion, and her late husband’s mission to reach young men struggling with anger and despair.
“My husband, Charlie … wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” she said. “Father, forgive them, for they not know what they do … I forgive him because it was what Christ did. And it is what Charlie would do. The answer to hate is not hate … it is love, and always love.”
Her words drew praise from many, including Mickelson, who called her message a sharp contrast to the political hostility surrounding Kirk’s legacy.
What Happens Next
As Turning Point USA prepares to continue its work under Erika Kirk’s leadership, public debate over Charlie Kirk’s impact—and the political fallout following his assassination—shows no sign of slowing down. Lawmakers, cultural figures, and ordinary Americans remain divided over his legacy, but Erika’s message of forgiveness continues to resonate with many across the nation.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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