Charlie Kirk's family speaks out as prosecutors begin laying out case against accused assassin

Charlie Kirk's widow and other family members said they are reliving "the darkest days of our lives" as prosecutors began presenting evidence July 6 against the man accused of assassinating the Turning Point USA founder.

Tyler Robinson, 23, appeared in Utah's 4th District Court for the first day of a multi-day preliminary hearing, where prosecutors must convince Judge Tony Graf that sufficient evidence exists for the case to proceed to trial. 

According to prosecutors, Robinson, who has not entered a plea, surrendered to authorities on Sept. 11, 2025 after family members recognized him from surveillance images released by investigators following the assassination of Kirk during a Utah Valley University event the day before. Robinson has remained in custody since his arrest and has been charged with aggravated murder and other offenses. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty if he is convicted. Ahead of the hearing, Kirk's widow Erika Kirk joined his parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk, and his sister Mary in releasing a joint statement describing the emotional toll of the proceedings.

"Charlie was a beloved husband, son, brother, friend, and father," the family said. "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," the statement continued. "This outpouring has sustained us during the darkest days of our lives."

The family added that "out of respect for the judicial process, we will not be commenting further at this time. We ask for continued privacy as we navigate this process and immense grief."

Erika Kirk, who now leads Turning Point USA, attended the hearing alongside Kirk's parents. They left the courtroom while the prosecution's first witness, former Utah Valley University police officer Chris Bagley, described the shooting. 

Bagley testified that he heard a rifle shot, saw Kirk collapse, and rushed toward the scene before discovering evidence on a nearby rooftop that led investigators to conclude the gunman had escaped rather than being apprehended immediately. On cross-examination, Robinson's attorney questioned campus security preparations and sought to challenge aspects of the investigation.

Graf ruled that video of the fatal shooting could be shown in the courtroom but not on the livestream of the proceedings after determining it should not be broadcast publicly.

The hearing is expected to continue throughout the week, with prosecutors planning to present surveillance footage, forensic evidence, witness testimony, and other evidence. At its conclusion, Graf will decide whether probable cause exists to send the case to trial.

Erika Kirk has previously spoken publicly about forgiving the man accused of killing her husband while maintaining that justice should be served.