Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, faced a wave of accusations on social media after making a hand gesture during her husband’s memorial service in Arizona on Sunday.
Kirk, 36, appeared on stage alongside President Donald Trump when she raised her hand in a gesture commonly understood in American Sign Language to mean “I love you.”
Some users online, however, claimed the symbol resembled the “devil horns” hand sign often seen at rock concerts, sparking unfounded allegations that she was making a “satanic” gesture.
Charlie Kirk’s widow, a devout Christian and former Miss Arizona, had just delivered an emotional tribute to her late husband when she raised her arm, extending her index finger, pinky finger and thumb.
Social media users began sharing viral posts alleging that Kirk was signaling “devil horns” despite the sign’s established meaning in American Sign Language.
The Daily Mail outlined that supporters of Erika Kirk quickly responded to the accusations, pointing out that her gesture was not satanic, but instead a public declaration of love.
“PSA: Erika Kirk’s hand sign at the end was sign language for I love you. Not a satanic hand sign. Dear lord… please give me strength on this app,” one user wrote on X.
Another added: “It’s sign language for ‘love you.’ Ignorance is exactly why people commit violence. LEARN THINGS! Don’t spew evil where none exists.”
Despite these defenses, accusations continued circulating.
“I caught this hand sign from Ericka Kirk which is a Devil/Owl sign people use in dark meetings and rock-on concerts,” one user claimed.
“Why would she make this hand signal as a professing Christian and being knowledgeable of these things?”
Another social media post read: “What is happening? Erika Kirk throwing up a satanic hand symbol to end off Charlie’s funeral?!?!”
One commenter wrote: “I hope she doesn’t realize what she’s doing, but this is definitely suspicious!”
Another person noted her proximity to Trump when she made the gesture: “Sorry, I love Trump and Charlie Kirk, and I don’t want to spoil the party. But why did Erika wait until she was standing with the most famous man alive, in front of the whole world, at the most significant moment of her life, to throw up the devil-horned gesture?”
The “devil horns” sign, widely recognized as a “rock on” gesture, typically involves raising the index and pinky fingers while keeping the other fingers and thumb folded down.
By contrast, the American Sign Language gesture for “I love you” extends the thumb as well, which is the gesture Erika Kirk used on stage.
Her hand motion followed her remarks about her husband’s legacy and her decision to forgive Tyler Robinson, the man accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk.
“The 31-year-old MAGA influencer wanted to save young men just like the one who took his life,” Erika Kirk said during her eulogy.
Referring directly to Robinson, she added: “I forgive him,” drawing applause from the crowd.
“I forgive him because it’s what Christ did. The answer to hate is not hate.”
The memorial service also drew national attention as President Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk were seen interacting after months of strained relations.
The two men were photographed speaking inside Trump’s box at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, before Trump gave Musk a friendly pat on the back.
The Daily Mail reported that moments later, Musk stood and left the area.
