Charlie Kirk's family attends hearing for suspect charged with his murder

Image source, Reuters Image caption, Charlie Kirk's parents, Robert W. Kirk and Kathryn Kirk, arrive at a Utah courthouse on 6 May 2026 By Sheila Flynn Senior US Reporter Published 6 July 2026 Updated 4 hours ago The family of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk came face-to-face on Monday with his alleged killer as prosecutors laid out their evidence for the murder case against Tyler Robinson, 23, in a court hearing. The hearing, which is set to continue all week, will include witness testimony and other evidence to determine whether Robinson will stand trial. Kirk, a key Trump ally and founder of youth organisation Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on 10 September 2025 as he spoke on the campus of Utah Valley University, kicking off an intense manhunt. Robinson was arrested days later on a slew of charges, including murder. He has not entered a plea but prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Image source, Reuters Image caption, Charlie Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at a university event on 10 September 2025 The family of Kirk, a 31-year-old father of two, released a statement to local media in advance of Monday's proceedings, which are scheduled to last through Friday. "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," said Kirk's widow, Erika, his parents, Robert and Kathryn, and sister, Mary. They thanked people for the outpouring of prayers and kindness since Charlie's death. "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." New footage, evidence and witness testimony was presented during the hearing, including surveillance footage that law enforcement said showed Robinson on the Utah school's campus four times the day of the shooting - including hours after Kirk's death. The preliminary hearing acts as a way for a judge to decide whether prosecutors have enough evidence to present their case before a jury at trial. Both prosecutors and Robinson's defence team questioned witnesses who took the stand throughout the hours-long hearing. It offered a peak at what Robinson's defence could entail as it's remained a mystery due to his lack of a plea to the charges. His lawyers reportedly questioned footage presented, how Robinson was identified as a suspect and security at the school. In previous hearings, his attorneys have sought to exclude various evidence and asked Judge Tony Graf to take the death penalty off the table. Robinson, wearing a light-coloured suit, sat between his attorneys at the defense table. Image source, Rick Egan/Pool via Reuters/File Photo Image caption, Tyler Robinson, 23 Kirk was addressing a crowd from under a tent on 10 September as part of his American Comeback tour of college campuses, during which he invited attendees to debate him. A shot rang out as he was speaking about gun violence; Kir