The event was held at the University of Georgia on Tuesday (14) and was attended by U.S. Vice President JD Vance. Erika Kirk’s absence was confirmed by Turning Point spokesperson Andrew Kolvet.
“I’ll address this right away, Mr. Vice President: I’m here on stage instead of our friend Erika Kirk because, unfortunately, she received some very serious threats,” said Kolvet.
“It’s a terrible reflection of the state of reality and the situation in the country,” he continued.
Vance lamented the situation and said he was aware of the threats received by Charlie Kirk’s widow and that he was concerned the event might be canceled.
The vice president stated that he consulted the Secret Service before attending the venue. “Obviously, these guys do a very good job,” he added.
“And I said: ‘You know what? Let’s let Erika do what she needs to do for herself and her family. I’m sure Andrew will step in for her, and we’ll make this an incredible event’.”
He also commented on the threats Kirk has been receiving. “If you are attacking Erika Kirk, and not the people trying to destroy the United States, then you are part of the problem, not the solution.”
Erika Kirk took over leadership of the conservative group Turning Point after her husband Charlie Kirk was killed at an event at Utah Valley University in September 2025.
She commented on her absence on X, formerly Twitter.
“I was really looking forward to tonight’s event with our vice president, but after everything our family has been through, I take my security team’s recommendations extremely seriously,” she wrote.
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I was so looking forward to tonight’s event at the @universityofga with our Vice President @JDVance, but after all our family has been through, I take my security team’s recommendations extremely seriously. Thank you to our amazing Georgia chapter for your support. God bless you… https://t.co/f2rBre9ArJ
— Erika Kirk (@MrsErikaKirk) April 14, 2026
