07/07/2026
Charlie Kirk’s widow Erika leaves court after coming face to face with alleged killer
Charlie Kirk’s widow was in court today for the preliminary hearing (Picture: Charles McClintock Wilson/Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock)
Charlie Kirk’s widow was in court today for the preliminary hearing (Picture: Charles McClintock Wilson/Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock)
The preliminary trial over Charlie Kirk’s shooting has begun, which has seen his widow, Erika Kirk, come face-to-face with the man charged with his murder.
Tyler Robinson, 23, was charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, obstructing justice, and witness tampering following the right-wing influencer’s death.
Ms Kirk attended the hearing, which will decide if the case against Robinson, who turned himself in, should proceed.
Prosecutors are said to be pushing for the death penalty. AP reports Robinson has yet to enter a plea, but his attorneys have asked for the death penalty to be taken off the table.
The Turning Point USA founder was an infamous commentator who was vocal on issues including opposing trans rights, supporting gun control, and advocating for religion.
The close ally of Donald Trump was fatally shot on 10 September 2025 as he spoke on the campus of Utah Valley University.
The right-wing influencer was shot last year (Picture: Reuters)
The right-wing influencer was shot last year (Picture: Reuters)
Metro
University police officer describes what he saw after hearing the gunshot that killed Charlie Kirk
What did you hear again? I heard a gunshot. Okay.
Erika arrived at court surrounded by three security guards, separately from Kirk’s parents, Robert and Kathryn. Donald Trump Jr. also attended.
Ahead of the court hearing, Kirk’s family released a statement saying: ‘Charlie was a beloved husband, son, brother, friend, and father. Every court proceeding serves as a painful reminder of his death and the loss that has irrevocably impacted our lives and the lives of his children.
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‘We remain deeply grateful for the support, prayers, and kindness we have received. This outpouring has sustained us during the darkest days of our lives.’
The judge heard testimony of former Utah Valley University Officer Christopher Bagley, who sought to ‘preserve the crime scene’.
Tyler Robinson could face the death penalty(Picture: via REUTERS)
Tyler Robinson could face the death penalty(Picture: via REUTERS)
He told the court he heard a rifle shot but spotted a pistol holster on the ground.
Utah is an open carry state, so concealed guns are legal.
Bagley said he ran up to the roof, knowing it had a clear line of sight to Krik’s position, and discovered a red-and-black screwdriver ‘that looked out of place.’
He believed he had seen evidence of a sniper pad, describing a ‘disturbance’ at the scene.
The officer explained how that would mean they probably did not have the shooter in custody, as the area had been cordoned off and not yet searched.
Bagley also watched surveillance footage, which allegedly showed an individual running to the edge of the roof and dropping down. He said he found a shoe print in the grass on the northeast side of the building.
Kirk’s parents were also at the hearing (Picture: Charles McClintock Wilson/ZUMA Press Wire)
Kirk’s parents were also at the hearing (Picture: Charles McClintock Wilson/ZUMA Press Wire)
Previously, Robinson’s defence claimed that the Bureau of Alcohol, To***co, Fi****ms and Explosives ‘was unable to identify the bullet recovered at autopsy to the rifle allegedly tied to Mr Robinson’.
Video evidence from the day has been allowed to be shown in court, but State District Judge Tony Graf called a private meeting over one clip, which was said to have been altered.
The prosecution asked for the evening to prepare more evidence, and the hearing finished 15 minutes early.
Erika Kirk walked straight back to her car, not stopping to speak to the media. She previously said she ‘forgives’ her husband’s shooter.