Social media erupted Sunday after grieving widow Erika Kirk made a simple hand gesture on stage during her husband’s memorial service — and some critics claimed she was signaling something sinister.
Erika Kirk standing on stage at Charlie Kirk’s memorial, Photo Credit: UshaVanceNews/X
At one point during the service, Erika raised her hand with her index finger, pinky finger, and thumb extended. For most people, this was a touching expression — the American Sign Language symbol for “I love you.” But online conspiracy theorists seized on the moment, insisting she was throwing up “devil horns.”
Clips of the moment spread rapidly, with some posts bizarrely claiming the devout Christian was sending a satanic message in front of the President of the United States. “What is happening? “Did Erika Kirk seriously flash a satanic hand sign at the close of Charlie’s funeral?!” one user wrote. Others suggested the gesture was connected to secret societies or rock concert culture.
Erika Kirk giving a speech at Charlie Kirk’s memorial, Photo Credit: Nicole/X
But Erika’s supporters quickly pushed back, blasting the smear campaign. “PSA: Erika Kirk’s hand gesture at the end was sign language for ‘I love you.’ Not a satanic hand sign. Dear Lord… give me strength on this app,” one X user wrote in frustration. Another added, “Ignorance is dangerous. Learn before you accuse. That was a message of love, not evil.”
The difference is simple: the “devil horn” hand sign involves raising only the index and pinky fingers, while the thumb is tucked in. The ASL sign for “I love you,” which Erika clearly used, includes the thumb raised outward. For anyone familiar with the language, there’s no confusion.
President Donald Trump standing with Erika Kirk who makes a hand gesture during Charlie Kirk’s memorial, Photo Credit: Spitfire/X
The hand gesture wasn’t the only moment that captured attention. Erika delivered a powerful speech about Charlie’s mission to reach young men with a message of faith and purpose. Shockingly, she also forgave the man accused of killing her husband, 21-year-old Tyler Robinson. “I forgive him,” she declared, drawing a standing ovation. “Because that’s what Christ did. The answer to hate is not hate.”
The service also drew headlines for another reason: the surprising appearance of Elon Musk. Despite a history of clashes with President Trump, the Tesla founder attended the memorial and was spotted chatting with the Commander-in-Chief inside his private box. At one point, Trump gave Musk a friendly pat on the back before the billionaire abruptly exited the arena.
President Donald Trump standing with Erika Kirk who makes a hand gesture during Charlie Kirk’s memorial, Photo Credit: WION/X
Security was described as “unprecedented,” with Vice President JD Vance, top Cabinet officials, and tens of thousands of supporters filling the stadium.
In the end, the viral speculation about Erika Kirk’s hand gesture said more about the internet than it did about her. At her husband’s memorial, the widow of one of the conservative movement’s most influential voices used the national stage not to push hate — but to express faith, forgiveness, and love.
