Social media erupted after Erika Kirk, widow of conservative leader Charlie Kirk, made a hand gesture during her husband’s memorial at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. While addressing the crowd alongside former President Donald Trump, Erika lifted her hand with her thumb, index, and pinky fingers extended — a gesture widely recognized in American Sign Language as “I love you.”
However, conspiracy theorists quickly distorted the moment, accusing her of flashing “devil horns.” Clips spread across X (formerly Twitter), with users claiming she sent a satanic signal during the emotional ceremony. Supporters quickly countered, pointing out the clear difference: the ASL “I love you” includes the thumb, while the “devil horns” do not.
Beyond the viral controversy, Erika’s speech resonated deeply. She spoke of Charlie’s faith, his mission to inspire young men, and even extended forgiveness to her husband’s accused killer, saying, “The answer to hate is not hate.”
Despite online noise, Erika’s gesture symbolized love, not darkness — a testament to grace amid grief and misunderstanding.