The background of Tyler Robinson, accused of killing conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, an icon for pro-Trump youth, did not fit the profile of a far-left activist as Donald Trump had claimed as early as Wednesday, September 10. But that did not matter to the MAGA world, which continued its conservative crusade against the far left and the Democrats.

Confirmation came late Friday evening from Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, who delivered an emotional and highly political speech, blending love, Christian devotion and grief, and vowing to continue her husband's mission, now adorned with "the glorious crown of a martyr": "They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith and God's merciful love. You have no idea what you have just unleashed in this country and around the world," she declared passionately. "You cannot imagine the fire you have ignited within his wife. The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry. To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die."

Her speech galvanized the MAGA base. On Utah's conservative radio stations, Kirk was described by hosts as a "civil rights activist," even compared to Martin Luther King. The narrative of a righteous struggle continued, even as the suspect's background confounded expectations.

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