It’s been 10 months since Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed in September 2025 by suspected assassin Tyler Robinson.
On Monday, his grieving widow Erika Kirk saw Robinson in person during preliminary hearings at Utah's Fourth District Court held to determine if there is probable cause to proceed with a trial for aggravated murder (among other counts) — a charge that could bring the death penalty. The hearings are scheduled to last five days.
Mrs. Kirk arrived separately at the courthouse from Charlie’s parents, but they reportedly sat together once inside:
EMOTIONAL SCENES: Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika, joined his parents in court for the preliminary hearing as Donald Trump Jr. was among those supporting the Kirk family. Erika held Charlie's mother's hand, wiped away tears with a handkerchief, whispered to her, and leaned on her… pic.twitter.com/ffQADy8koa
— Fox News US (@FoxUSNews) July 6, 2026
EMOTIONAL SCENES: Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika, joined his parents in court for the preliminary hearing as Donald Trump Jr. was among those supporting the Kirk family. Erika held Charlie's mother's hand, wiped away tears with a handkerchief, whispered to her, and leaned on her shoulder before testimony.
Erika posted a powerful message to social media before her arrival, describing the deep loss the killing has caused her entire family:
Statement on behalf of Charlie Kirk's immediate family, his parents Robert and Kathryn, his wife, Erika, and his sister, Mary:
— Erika Kirk (@MrsErikaKirk) July 6, 2026
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…
Statement on behalf of Charlie Kirk's immediate family, his parents Robert and Kathryn, his wife, Erika, and his sister, Mary:
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.
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.
RELATED: Defense Loses Major Bid in Charlie Kirk Murder Case - but Prosecutors Aren't Left Unscathed
After Months of Smears and Scrutiny, Erika Kirk Takes the Hillsdale Stage and Does Not Flinch
Why do we need to go through this preliminary hearing process — why can’t the case just go straight to trial? That’s not how it works in this instance:
While in many cases, prosecutors secure a grand jury indictment behind closed doors and without giving defense lawyers a chance to challenge the evidence, Robinson was charged by information, meaning prosecutors must establish probable cause at a public preliminary hearing before the case can move to trial.
Defense attorneys will be able to cross-examine witnesses. But unlike an actual trial, there is a lower burden of proof. Prosecutors need to show probable cause for the charges against Robinson. They do not have to prove guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. That comes at trial, in front of a jury.
🚨 JUST IN: The preliminary hearing for the assassination of Charlie Kirk has officially BEGUN, and Erika Kirk is personally in the building, facing Tyler Robinson
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) July 6, 2026
"For the record, the court also recognizes the presence of Ms. Erika Kirk."
Must be so difficult 🙏🏻
CAMERAS… pic.twitter.com/v2NZfETaNK
🚨 JUST IN: The preliminary hearing for the assassination of Charlie Kirk has officially BEGUN, and Erika Kirk is personally in the building, facing Tyler Robinson "For the record, the court also recognizes the presence of Ms. Erika Kirk."
Must be so difficult
CAMERAS *ALLOWED*
As our Becca Lower reported in May, Judge Tony Graf denied a defense team motion to ban cameras and livestreaming from the courtroom.
RedState will bring you more from the proceedings as new developments arise.
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