Charlie Kirk’s immediate family is speaking out as the conservative activist’s alleged killer heads to court for a preliminary hearing.
“Charlie was a beloved husband, son, brother, friend and father,” his parents, Robert and Kathryn, sister Mary and wife Erika Kirk said in a joint statement shared via X on Monday, July 6. “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.”
Those closest to Charlie said they 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,” the statement continued. “We ask for continued privacy as we navigate this process and immense grief.”
Starting on Monday, prosecutors will try to show they have enough evidence against Tyler Robinson to proceed with a trial.
Robinson, 23 — who has yet to enter a plea and won’t be required to do so unless prosecutors prevail at the preliminary hearing — was previously charged with aggravated murder after he allegedly shot and killed Charlie during a speaking engagement in September 2025 at Utah Valley University. Charlie was 31.
Charlie’s widow, 37, and parents were photographed arriving at the hearing on Monday, which could last all week long before a judge determines if there is enough evidence to go to trial.
According to the Associated Press, the judge asked people in the courtroom to show proper decorum during the preliminary hearing. Spectators are not allowed to display pins, clothing, photos or other visible demonstrations of support for anyone involved in the hearing.
Shelly Juber, who lives in Utah, received one of the 14 courtroom seats set aside for the public.
“I’m a trial watcher, true-crime enthusiast,” she told the Associated Press when explaining why she wanted to be in attendance. “My grandson’s girlfriend was there [at Utah Valley University] the day it happened.”
During a memorial service in September 2025, Erika tried to hold back tears when she told mourners that she had forgiven Robinson for allegedly killing her husband while vowing to carry on Charlie’s legacy. (Erika and Charlie welcomed two children together prior to his death.)
“My husband, Charlie, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” she said at the time. “I forgive him because it was what Christ did. It is what Charlie would do.”
Since Charlie’s death, Erika has become chairwoman and CEO of Turning Point USA, the conservative youth movement that her husband cofounded.
“He knew that evil wins when good people stay silent,” Erika said at Fox Nation’s Patriot Awards in November 2025. “For the rest of my life, I will make sure that I don’t stay silent. I’ll keep speaking the truth no matter the cost. I pray that all of you do too, for Charlie.”
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