The family of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, including his widow Erika Kirk, came face-to-face with the man accused of killing him during a preliminary court hearing on Monday.
Prosecutors presented surveillance footage, witness testimony and forensic evidence as they sought to establish enough grounds for the case against 23-year-old Tyler Robinson to proceed to trial.
Erika Kirk, along with Charlie Kirk's parents and sister, attended the hearing marking their first courtroom appearance since his death in September 2025.
Donald Trump Jr. also attended the proceedings in support of the family.
In a statement issued before the hearing, the family described each court appearance as a painful reminder of their loss and requested privacy while the judicial process continues.
Prosecutors outline their case
Prosecutors told the court they intend to seek the death penalty against Robinson, who faces multiple charges, including murder.
Investigators presented surveillance footage they said showed Robinson on the Utah Valley University campus four times on the day of the shooting, including hours after Kirk was fatally shot.
Robinson has not yet entered a plea.
Law enforcement witnesses testified about the chaotic moments following the shooting and detailed the evidence collected during the investigation.
One officer said physical markings found on a nearby rooftop suggested someone had been lying in a prone position overlooking the location where Kirk was speaking.
Another investigator testified that surveillance footage placed Robinson at several locations around the campus before and after the shooting.
Defence challenges evidence
Robinson's legal team questioned the reliability of surveillance footage, the investigation process and security arrangements at the university.
His lawyers have also sought to exclude some evidence and asked the court to remove the possibility of the death penalty.
