Featured Image Credit: John Nacion/WireImage
Topics: Charlie Kirk, US News, Twitter
Ellie Kemp
Tim Allen says he has finally forgiven the man who killed his father six decades ago after being moved by Erika Kirk’s powerful eulogy for her late husband, Charlie Kirk.
Charlie Kirk died after being shot in the neck at a Utah Valley University event two weeks ago (September 10).
The Turning Point USA founder was shot in front of 3,000 people, and leaves behind his wife, former Miss Arizona Erika Kirk and their two young children.
Two days after the 31-year-old's death, Tyler Robinson, 22, was apprehended by authorities as a possible suspect and has since been charged with seven counts, including aggravated murder and witness tampering.
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On Sunday (September 21), a memorial service was held for Kirk, where numerous attendees, including his widow and President Donald Trump, gave eulogies.
In her speech, the 36-year-old shared that she had 'forgiven' her husband's alleged killer.
Saying that she wanted to 'help save young men, just like the one who took [Charlie's] life', she added: "On the cross, our saviour said: ‘Father, forgive them for they not know what they do.’
"That man, that young man, I forgive him. I forgive him because it was what Christ did, and it is what Charlie would do.
"The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the gospel is love and always love, love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.”
The poignant moment swept the US and beyond, with Home Improvement star Tim Allen taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday (September 25) to share how 'deeply impacted' he was by Erika's words.
He was so moved, in fact, that the actor said he forgives the man who killed his father when he was just an 11-year-old boy.
Allen's father, real estate agent Gerald M. Dick, died when a drunk driver collided with his car in November 1964.
Allen has spoken over the years about how deeply the event impacted him - including questioning his faith, feeling injustice and, heartbreakingly, how the loss 'changed everything forever.'
He said: "When Erika Kirk spoke the words on the man who killed her husband: 'That man… that young man… I forgive him.'
"That moment deeply affected me. I have struggled for over 60 years to forgive the man who killed my Dad. I will say those words now as I type: 'I forgive the man who killed my father.' Peace be with you all."
Allen was flooded with support from fans, as one said: "Forgiveness isn’t for them…it’s for us. And being able to reach the point of extending forgiveness to someone else is a very emotional and freeing thing. God bless you, Tim."
A second added: "What a beautiful reaction to witnessing the compassion and mercy of another who is herself suffering. God bless you.
"I hope you experience abundant peace."