Erika Lane Frantzve, the spouse of controversial American activist Charlie Kirk, posted a message on social media that many are now interpreting differently after her husband was tragically shot and killed at just 31 years old.
Frantzve and the couple’s two young children were present at the debate event held at Utah Valley University on September 10, where Kirk was fatally shot by a single bullet fired from a nearby rooftop.
Kirk was attending the debate with Turning Point USA, the organization he co-founded at age 18. The group aimed to promote conservative values on predominantly liberal college campuses, and Kirk became a polarizing figure as he engaged students on topics like transgender rights, climate change, and family values.
Video footage from the event shows Kirk speaking under a white tent, holding a microphone before suddenly being struck by the gunshot.
Donald Trump, a close ally of Kirk, confirmed the news of his passing via a post on Truth Social, calling Kirk “legendary.”
Attention has now shifted to the final moments before the shooting, with social media users noting that Frantzve had shared a Bible verse shortly before the incident — a message that has taken on new and somber significance.
On X (formerly Twitter), she posted at 12:45 pm: “Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Just hours later, the devastating news of Kirk’s death was confirmed.
Social media quickly filled with messages of sympathy for Frantzve, including one commenter who wrote, “Jesus is holding you in his warm embrace. We are heartbroken.”
Another added, “The timing of your post is a true testament to the Lord’s plan.”
Erika Lane Frantzve posted this message just hours before her husband was killed (X/@MrsErikaKirk)
A third user expressed, “Your husband is now with Jesus. He was a hero and an inspiration. You will see him again, though I know that offers little comfort right now to you and your precious children. I’m so sorry for your loss. Evil runs rampant in this country.”
Frantzve, who was crowned Miss Arizona USA in 2012, married Kirk in 2021 after meeting him three years prior.
In a 2022 Instagram post, she expressed her love and devotion, writing: “God knew all along, it was you. Charles James, you are my today and all of my tomorrows. I am so blessed to have you as my husband and honored to be your wife. May our marriage always glorify God. I love you endlessly.”
Since then, the couple welcomed two children: a daughter born in August 2022 and a son born in May 2024.
