Erika Kirk appeared at Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer’s preliminary hearing

Erika Kirk attended a preliminary hearing for Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer.

The 37-year-old widow’s visit was preceded by a statement released on her husband’s behalf declaring she has nothing to say at this stage in the legal process.

“Charlie was a beloved husband, son, brother, friend, and father,” that statement reads. “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.”

The Kirks shared a daughter who was born in August 2022, followed by a son born in May 2024.

Charlie was fatally shot while hosting a Sept. 10 political event at Utah Valley University. The 31-year-old right-wing activist who founded Turning Point USA was speaking at one of his popular “Prove Me Wrong” debates when he was killed. Utah man Tyler Robinson, 23, is charged with his murder. Prosecutors hope to convince a judge this week that they have cause to seek the death penalty. They’re expected to produce as many as 50 pieces of evidence including video of the shooting.

The statement released by Charlie’s family on Monday expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received since his killing.

“Out of respect for the judicial process, we will not be commenting further at this time,” they concluded in a request for privacy as they continue to mourn.

A trio of men escorted Erika into the Provo courthouse shortly before the start of Robinson’s first day of preliminary hearings. She held hands with her mother-in-law.

Erika said during a September memorial for her late husband that she’s forgiven his alleged killers.

“The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the gospel is love and always love,” she said. “Love for our enemies and love for those who persecute us.”

Erika took over operations for Turning Point USA following her husband’s death.

With News Wire Services