Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, called the ruling that forces her husband’s accused assassin to stand trial — and possibly face the death penalty — an “important step” in her family’s agonizing quest for justice.
Erika had wiped away tears Tuesday as Judge Tony Graf ruled that Tyler Robinson, 23, will face trial for all seven counts leveled against him – including first-degree murder – nine days before the first anniversary of Kirk’s assassination at Utah Valley University.
“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,” Erika Kirk wrote on X after the ruling, sharing a statement on behalf of her family.
“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.
“We are grateful to all who have continued to pray for us, support us, and stand with us through 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.”
Erika Kirk wiped away tears as Graf ruled Robinson would face trial, wrapping up the five-day hearing.
Prosecutors told the court that “there is a mountain of evidence” proving Robinson is the shooter.
Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, two counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of tampering with a witness, and violent offense committed in the presence of a child. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Graf warned the alleged killer he could face the death penalty if convicted.
The judge came to the ruling after Ryan McBride, the Deputy Utah County Attorney, pointed to a “mountain of evidence” he claims proves Robinson was the shooter.
Prosecutors were shown surveillance video that showed Robinson on campus before the shooting, and McBride claimed his DNA was “all over” the rifle allegedly used.
He also pointed to a screwdriver left at the scene and used to reassemble part of the gun.
McBride also referred to texts Robinson sent to his trans partner Lance Twiggs, where he seemed to boast about the killing.
“I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it,” prosecutors said, reading a note Robinson allegedly penned to Twiggs.
Robinson “shot and killed Charlie Kirk because he disagreed with him,” McBride told the court.
He said 31-year-old Kirk’s conservative beliefs – which supported traditional relationships – were at odds with Robinson’s lifestyle.
“We know what charge Kirk stood for, and those ideas were repugnant to the defendant, who was in a homosexual relationship with a man who was considering transitioning genders. It doesn’t take a lot to connect the dots,” he said.
Erika Kirk was emotional when the family attorney described her husband, who co-founded Turning Point USA, as someone who was the opposite of hate.
Kirk was shot and killed while debating with students on the UVU campus during the first stop of his American Comeback Tour – and prosecutors claimed Robinson played “ballistic roulette” and gambled with “innocent lives when he made the shot,” allegations strongly countered by his defense.
“There is one shot. There is one bullet. There is one victim,” Staci Visser, one of his lawyers, said.
“There is zero evidence that there was any action taken towards other people.”
A pre-trial conference has been scheduled for Oct. 23.
With Post wires
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