Tim Allen is learning to forgive, all thanks to a powerful moment from Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk. The Shifting Gears star revealed on social media how deeply moved he was by Erika’s words at her late husband’s memorial service. She publicly forgave Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of killing Charlie Kirk, saying (via Daily Mail):
That man… that young man… I forgive him.
These words struck a chord with Allen, who, after more than six decades, finally found the strength to forgive the man responsible for his own father’s death. His heartfelt post on X read:
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…
The tragedy that shaped Allen’s life occurred in 1964 when his father died in a car accident involving a drunk driver. Allen has long wrestled with questions of faith and forgiveness, once sharing in 2011 (via AOL), “For years, I just did not like this idea of God, church…[I was] still a churchgoer, but constantly a cynic.” His evolving spirituality now finds him embracing a higher plan: “Whoever built me, this is too much, too weird that it happened by accident. It didn’t happen by accident.”
Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot dead at 31 in Utah earlier this month, cutting short his America Comeback Tour.
Tim Allen Talks About His Bible Reading Experience and Spiritual Growth
Earlier this year, Tim Allen shared his surprising spiritual journey as he read through the Bible, revealing an unexpected awakening. He took to social media to express amazement at the depth of scripture, particularly in the New Testament. The actor posted in June:
Finished the Old Testament and it is such a gift when I get out of the way and the words and meaning flow. This week I am now in the book of the Gospel of Paul. A Roman Jew familiar with Plato, Stoicism, and other Greek schools of thought. I am amazed in seven pages!
His commitment to this spiritual exploration seemingly began in October 2024. Allen candidly described the challenge of translating the eternal messages of books into his own life. “I need a Snickers,” he joked, bringing levity to a profound journey of faith.
Continuing my reading of the complete Bible. Finished a rather intense Ezekiel now on to Daniel. The challenge in reading this Book is how I translate words that the Eternal expresses to the temporary. I need a Snickers.
This spiritual growth perhaps explains the heartfelt forgiveness Allen extended this week, a forgiveness long withheld but now embraced after hearing Erika Kirk’s example.
Charlie Kirk’s Widow Reflects on Her Late Husband’s Final Moments and Legacy
For Erika Kirk, grief and faith collide in the wake of her husband Charlie Kirk’s sudden death. Over the past 11 days, she finds herself drawn repeatedly to the memory of his last night, when excitement coursed through him like a live wire. “His adrenal glands were just going off,” she said (via NY Times), recalling how the late founder of Turning Point USA had been training for months for his campus tour.
The morning Charlie Kirk left, Erika texted “I love you” before his chartered plane lifted off to Utah. A staffer overheard him telling the pilot, “Today’s going to be a great day.” That day ended in tragedy. Erika spoke with poised tears about her husband’s dual legacy: celebrated on the right as a fiery conservative voice, reviled on the left for his criticism of civil rights and feminism. Yet in her grief, she embraces divine purpose.
I’m allowing myself to feel this so deeply without medication, without alcohol. The Lord is giving me discernment.
Despite the gaping void, Turning Point USA named Erika the new CEO. President Donald Trump has shown support, with Erika recounting warm calls and offers to keep conversations alive in Charlie Kirk’s memory. This new life is “actually the least traumatizing thing for me,” she said, reflecting on her own upbringing by a single mother.
Before Charlie Kirk’s tour, Erika begged him to wear a bulletproof vest, fearing for his safety. But he declined. In the hospital, Erika insisted on seeing Charlie’s body despite warnings about the devastating injury. She described his expression as peaceful, as if he had been welcomed into heaven.
And he had this knowing, Mona Lisa-like half-smile. Like he’d died happy. Like Jesus rescued him. The bullet came, he blinked, and he was in heaven.
Now, as she prepares to honor Charlie Kirk’s memory, Erika remains steadfast. “No one will ever forget my husband’s name, and I will make sure of it,” she vowed. But she refuses to carry the burden of vengeance.
I want the government to decide this. I do not want that man’s blood on my ledger.
What do you think? Can forgiveness truly free us from the shadows of trauma? Drop your thoughts below and let’s get the conversation rolling.
Catch Tim Allen’s Shifting Gears Season 2 premiere on October 1, streaming on ABC.
