Threats Against Erika Kirk Throw Last-Minute Wrinkle Into JD Vance Event

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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 “very serious threats.”

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’s place. Vance addressed Erika Kirk’s 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 “do what she needs to do for herself and her family.”

It’s not clear why Kirk stepped back following threats made in her direction, while Vance — who operates under some of the most extensive security protection in the world — was still able to take the stage. Erika Kirk posted on X during the event, saying that “after all our family has been through, I take my security team’s recommendations extremely seriously.”

The suspect charged in the assassination of Erika Kirk’s late husband, TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk’s, 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.

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 “investigative series” targeting Kirk titled “Bride of Charlie.”

The series has sparked backlash across the conservative movement. Daily Wire editor emeritus Ben Shapiro blasted Owens in a recent video, calling Owens an “evil, twisted human being” and accusing her of profiting off Charlie Kirk’s assassination by promoting conspiracy theories and targeting his widow. Shapiro urged Erika Kirk to “sue the living hell” out of Owens over the project.

Vance delivered an emotional defense of Erika Kirk, describing the grief she’s endured since her husband’s assassination and blasting critics who have questioned her.

Vance reflected on the raw, unpredictable nature of grief — saying Kirk has been navigating overwhelming emotions while also trying to preserve Charlie Kirk’s legacy and care for her children, who may grow up without lasting memories of their father.

He said the attacks against her have been “one of the most disgraceful things” he’s seen in public life, before sharing a deeply personal moment he witnessed alongside his wife after Charlie Kirk’s death.

“I was there with her, I was holding her hand, my wife was hugging her while we loaded Charlie’s body onto Air Force Two and said the Lord’s Prayer,” Vance said. “The people telling you that Erika wasn’t grieving her husband are full of sh*t.”

Owens has used her platform in recent months to push a range of claims about the killing of Charlie Kirk, including allegations implicating various figures and institutions — claims that have drawn widespread criticism.

The University of Georgia event was part of a broader campus tour by Turning Point USA aimed at engaging college students nationwide.



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