During a memorial event held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Erika Kirk, wife of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, made a heartfelt gesture that carried a deeply personal meaning. While standing at the microphone, Erika raised her hand and pointed it skyward, using American Sign Language to say, “I love you,” a sign widely recognized for its message of love and connection.
According to Lingvano, a sign language learning resource, this gesture is created by extending the thumb, index finger, and pinky finger while pressing the middle and ring fingers against the palm. Many attendees interpreted Erika’s gesture as a touching tribute to her late husband.
However, some online users misunderstood the sign, spreading incorrect claims about its meaning. Supporters and those familiar with American Sign Language quickly stepped in to clarify the situation. They explained that Erika’s gesture was a well-known symbol of love and should not be misinterpreted.
The confusion likely arose because the “I love you” sign resembles another popular hand gesture often seen at concerts. The key difference is the thumb — in the ASL version, the thumb is extended, as Erika clearly demonstrated. Her gesture was meant as a simple, loving message, honoring her husband’s memory and offering comfort to those in attendance.
