One year after Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University, his widow, Erika Kirk, says her family remains united in prayer and committed to seeking justice as the case against his accused killer moves toward trial.
Utah Judge Tony Graf ruled Tuesday that 23-year-old Tyler Robinson will stand trial on all seven charges against him, including aggravated murder, a charge that could carry the death penalty if he is convicted. Robinson has pleaded not guilty.
Erika Kirk wiped away tears in the courtroom as Graf announced his decision. Afterward, she released a statement on behalf of the Kirk family reflecting on the loss they have endured and thanking those who have prayed for them.
“Today’s decision, which comes nearly a year since Charlie was taken from us, marks an important step in our family’s pursuit of justice for him,” Kirk wrote.
“Every step in this process carries the weight of all that Charlie’s murder has taken from his family, especially his children who will grow up without their father.”
Kirk also expressed gratitude for the prayers and support the family has received during what she described as a year of “unimaginable grief.”
“As the next phase of the judicial process begins, our family remains united in our love for Charlie, our commitment to the pursuit of justice, and our prayer for a transparent and timely process,” she said.
Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot Sept. 10, 2025, while speaking before thousands of people at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University. The appearance was the first stop on his American Comeback Tour.
During a five-day preliminary hearing and subsequent arguments, prosecutors laid out evidence they say connects Robinson to the shooting, including surveillance footage from the campus, DNA evidence allegedly found on the rifle and messages Robinson is accused of sending after Kirk’s death.
Prosecutors also presented a note Robinson allegedly wrote that read, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it.”
Deputy Utah County Attorney Ryan McBride told the court there was a “mountain of evidence” against Robinson and argued that Kirk was targeted because of his political and social beliefs. Robinson’s attorneys have challenged portions of the prosecution’s evidence and argued against allowing the aggravated murder charge — and potential death penalty — to move forward.
Graf ultimately determined prosecutors had presented enough evidence for Robinson to stand trial on all seven counts. The ruling does not determine Robinson’s guilt, which will be decided through the trial process.
The emotion of the proceedings was evident as Kirk sat alongside her late husband’s parents. At one point, family attorney Jeff Neiman addressed the court and pushed back against portrayals of Kirk as a figure motivated by hatred.
“Charlie was the opposite of hate,” Neiman said, describing Kirk’s message as one grounded in faith and freedom.
For Kirk’s family, the next stage of the case begins as they approach a painful milestone: the first anniversary of his death.
Their statement made clear what they are carrying into it — grief over what was lost, gratitude for those who have prayed for them and a continued desire to see justice served.
A pre-trial conference is scheduled for Oct. 23.