Erika Kirk launched a nationwide tour in Riverside to honor the reminiscence of her husband — slain media persona Charlie Kirk — whereas spreading the phrase of God, the ability of prayer and calling for a Christian revival within the U.S.
The viewers of 1000’s gathered Wednesday evening, Jan. 21, at Harvest Christian Fellowship greeted Kirk with a standing ovation. Some shouted their love for her.
It was the primary evening of the Make Heaven Crowded Tour 2026, which is ready to go to greater than 30 cities between now and the yr’s finish.
Erika Kirk, the widow of slain conservative media persona Charlie Kirk, wipes away a tear as she speaks Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, in the course of the the primary Make Heaven Crowded Tour 2026 cease at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside. (Picture by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
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Erika Kirk, the widow of slain conservative media persona Charlie Kirk, wipes away a tear as she speaks Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, in the course of the the primary Make Heaven Crowded Tour 2026 cease at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside. (Picture by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
“This tour is so particular to me as a result of I needed … to deliver a slice of heaven from my husband and convey it to everybody round this county in order that they may have that extension, and that magnificence and that palpable feeling of the Holy Spirit,” Kirk stated.
She added that her husband at all times instructed her that if something occurred to him he needed her to step in and take over Turning Level USA, which she has achieved.
Charlie Kirk, was shot and killed in September whereas chatting with 1000’s at a Utah college. He was the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth group Turning Level USA, a high podcaster and an ally of President Donald Trump. He led an effort to remake the GOP’s get-out-the-vote effort within the 2024 election based mostly on the speculation there have been 1000’s of Trump supporters who not often vote however may very well be persuaded to take action.
“This is the reason this tour exists,” Kirk added. “It’s unifying … when this nation rises up and prays for this nation and is in revival.”
Kirk added she wouldn’t let her husband’s dying be a footnote in historical past and he or she would proceed his pursuits.
“Church is rarely meant to retreat from tradition,” she stated. “We’ll change this nation. We’ll change this world.”
“While you belief within the Lord, you haven’t any thought what you possibly can bear till you’re tried,” she stated.
The tour, organized by Turning Level USA Religion, will finish in Phoenix in December. It seeks to collect folks for “repentance, religion and daring obedience to Jesus,” in response to its web site.
In Riverside on Wednesday, viewers members stood a number of occasions all through the evening to cheer, pray, sway to worship music, elevate their arms and sing. Some wore T-shirts of Charlie Kirk or Donald Trump; others had sequined Trump and Make America Nice Once more jackets in addition to purple MAGA caps.
Different tour audio system included Harvest’s founder and senior pastor, Greg Laurie, a widely known evangelist and writer.
“I used to be simply speaking to Erika, Charlie’s spouse, a couple of moments in the past,” Laurie stated earlier than she took the stage. “And I stated, ‘Erika, inform me the origin of this phrase: Make heaven crowded.’ And it was one thing that he would say to her usually.”
“So the explanation we’re right here tonight is we need to encourage you in your religion,” Laurie added. “We need to pray for a revival, a religious awakening in America. And we need to encourage you all who’re Christians to evangelise the gospel. And we need to see you, who will not be believers but, imagine in Jesus.”
Earlier than the occasion, about 60 protesters gathered alongside Arlington Avenue in entrance of the church, chanting “No ICE, no Trump, no KKK.” They blew whistles. One girl performed “America the Stunning” on a flute. Signal slogans included: “Beware: false Christians go right here” and “T.P.U.S.A. and I.C.E. out of Riverside.”
Jose Martinez, a 38-year-old Riverside resident who works as a butcher, stated he was there to protest Erika Kirk’s political beliefs.
“My household lives proper across the nook,” Martinez stated. “And (Kirk) thinks she will be able to come right here to Riverside … actually, that is improper. We’re right here to talk out for our folks, for our kids, for our households … for our complete nation.”
Martinez added that each one should “stand collectively in solidarity in opposition to the tyranny that’s taking place with ICE, and the whole lot taking place in our society.”
One girl dressed as Erika Kirk by sporting sequins, a blonde wig and carrying a microphone into which she shouted: “Give me your cash, not the poor!”
When the occasion ended after 9:30 p.m., the protesters remained outdoors the church campus, strolling with indicators alongside the road and thru a crosswalk.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
