Erika Kirk's Courage Inspired Actor Tim Allen to Forgive the Man Who Killed His Father

Forgiveness is incredibly powerful.

Last week, Erika Kirk showed us exactly how powerful when she gave a stirring eulogy for her husband, Charlie, and forgave the man who assassinated him.

"Our Savior said, 'Father, forgive them, for they not know what they do.' That young man … I forgive him," Erika Kirk said, holding back tears. "I forgive him because it was what Christ did, and it's what Charlie would do."

Forgiveness helps those who were hurt begin to heal and find peace. Erika's ability to forgive Robinson inspired actor Tim Allen to finally forgive the man who killed his Dad, six decades later:

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…
— Tim Allen (@ofctimallen) September 25, 2025

Allen signed off by saying, "Peace be with you all."

Allen's father, Gerald M. Dick, was killed by a drunk driver in November, 1964 while driving home from a football game in Colorado. Allen was 11 years old at the time. In a 2006 episode of "Inside the Actors Studio," Allen talked about the death, "[His dad] broke his neck and died in my mom's lap right there. As many times as I'd relive this — if you haven't had a death in your family, I don't suggest it — but it certainly changes every single thing. From your cells and DNA, it turns a different color." Allen, who was not in the vehicle at the time, struggled with guilt for many years and went to therapy to deal with the mental and emotional toll of the death.

Erika Kirk’s incredible display of forgiveness led to Tim Allen forgiving the man who killed his father. pic.twitter.com/qJvCCkH3sU
— Turning Point Action (@TPAction_) September 26, 2025

Allen's post, with 33,000 reposts and 10 million views, clearly resonated with its audience.

"May the Lord bless and heal you, Mr. Allen. Thank you for this, as well as all of your work to entertain and uplift us," wrote one X user, and actor Kevin Sorbo wrote, "Tim....class act, sir. Not an easy thing to do."

Forgiveness is not always easy. Hurts often run deep, trauma can be lasting, and some people equate forgiveness with absolving the wrongdoer of responsibility for his actions. That, of course, is not true. Kirk's alleged assassin, Tyler Robinson, will go to trial and face the consequences of his actions.

But forgiveness can bring peace.