The preliminary trial over Charlie Kirk’s shooting has begun, with 23-year-old Tyler Robinson charged over the right-wing influencer’s death.
Erika Kirk attended the hearing, which will decide if the case against Robinson, who turned himself in, should proceed.
He was charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, obstructing justice and witness tampering.
Prosecutors are reportedly pushing for the death penalty.
The Turning Point USA founder was a close ally of Donald Trump, was an infamous commentator who was vocal on issues such as opposing trans rights and gun control and advocating for religion.
Kirk was fatally shot on 10 September 2025 as he spoke on the campus of Utah Valley University.
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: ‘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.’
AP reports Robinson is yet to enter a plea but his attorneys have asked for the death penalty to be taken off the table.
During the hearing, the judge heard testimony of former Utah Valley University Officer Christopher Bagley, who sought to ‘preserve the crime scene’.
He alleged hearing 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 run to the edge of the roof and drop down. He said he found a shoe print in the grass on the north-east side of the building.
Previously, Robinson’s defence claimed that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives ‘was unable to identify the bullet recovered at autopsy to the rifle allegedly tied to Mr Robinson’.
Video evidence from the day is being 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.
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 media. She previously said she ‘forgives’ her husband’s shooter.
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