Charlie Kirk’s widow Erika faces his alleged killer Tyler Robinson in court | US News

Charlie Kirk’s widow came face-to-face with her husband’s alleged murderer in court for the first time, as prosecutors call for the man accused of killing the right-wing influencer to stand trial.

Mr Kirk, 31, an ally of Donald Trump and founder of youth organisation Turning Point USA, was fatally shot while speaking at the Utah Valley University campus in Orem on 10 September 2025.

Tyler Robinson, 23, who turned himself in to authorities the day after the shooting, has been charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, obstructing justice and witness tampering.

A five-day preliminary hearing is currently under way in Utah to determine if the case against Robinson should proceed.

Prosecutors are seeking to convince the judge that they have enough evidence to move to a trial, where they say they will seek the death penalty.

Robinson has not yet entered a plea.

Mr Kirk’s family, including his parents and widow, Erika, were in court for the first time on Monday.

They were joined by Donald Trump Jr, the son of the US president and a friend of Mr Kirk.

In a statement released in advance of Monday’s proceedings, Mr Kirk’s family said: “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.

“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.”

Erika Kirk, who appeared emotional in court and left shortly after the hearing began, has previously said she forgives the man accused of killing her husband.

At Mr Kirk’s memorial service last year, she said: “My husband, Charlie, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life. I forgive him because it was what Christ did. It is what Charlie would do.”

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A ‘sniper pad’

The hearing, which runs until Friday, marks the most significant presentation of evidence in the case so far.

It began with the testimony of former Utah Valley University Officer Christopher Bagley, who said he saw a “disturbance” in the gravel on the rooftop of a building with a direct line of sight to where Mr Kirk was speaking at the time he was shot.

It led Mr Bagley, who had initially been told by law enforcement that they had the gunman in custody, to believe it might not be the right suspect.

He described the scene he found as a “sniper pad,” where someone might have been lying in a position that would allow them to shoot a weapon.

He said it included spots that looked like they were made by two elbows and two knees, as well as a spot where someone might have laid a gun down.

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Prosecutors allege Robinson confessed to the killing in a note left for his roommate, who was also his romantic partner, that read: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”

Robinson’s attorneys have not yet commented on his guilt or innocence, but have asked for the death penalty to be taken off the table.