(NewsNation) — Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., says Charlie Kirk’s legacy with Turning Point USA will only grow stronger through the efforts of his widow, Erika Kirk.
“We know Erika is in a unique position to where she, and I do absolutely believe this, is going to ensure that Turning Point not just continues to expand, but also continues to be responsible for recruiting those that are the future leaders of this country,” Luna told Chris Cuomo on Monday.
Kirk was shot last week while hosting an event at Utah Valley University. He was struck in the neck before collapsing to the floor and was later pronounced dead. In the days following his murder, Turning Point USA has received thousands of requests for new chapters across the country.
“I got my start as an activist alongside Charlie, but I also know that what they were working towards and what the organization as a whole started doing was recruiting candidates to run for office, backing those candidates, and ultimately getting them elected to the House of Representatives,” Luna said.
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Luna acknowledged she is planning to assist Erika Kirk in the candidate recruitment for the upcoming election. She pointed out specifically that Charlie Kirk was very vigilant about the foreign influence in the U.S., and the government was taking notice.
“The House Oversight (committee) sent out a letter that would freeze the assets or asked the Treasury Secretary to freeze assets of a billionaire by the name of Neville Singham, who was operating on behalf of the Chinese government to sow discord in this country,” Luna said.
Erika Kirk vowed to continue her husband’s work
In remarks over the weekend, Erika Kirk vowed to keep her husband Charlie Kirk’s legacy alive. She called for his supporters to join or start local Turning Point USA chapters, keep the campus tours and broadcasts going and find a Bible-believing church.
“Our campus tour this fall will continue; there will be even more tours in the years to come,” she said. “I’ll make Turning Point USA the biggest thing this nation has ever seen.”
Erika Kirk also had a message for Tyler Robinson, her husband’s alleged killer, stating, “If you thought my husband’s mission was powerful before, you have no idea.”
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“You have no idea what you have unleashed across this entire country, the fire you have ignited,” she said.
Police say Robinson was arrested after a 33-hour manhunt thanks to a tip from his family and messages discovered on Discord. He is expected to face federal charges as early as next week.
Since Kirk’s murder took place in Utah, Robinson could face the death penalty. If convicted of an aggravated murder charge, Robinson also could face 25 years to life in prison without parole.
