The parents and widow of Charlie Kirk are expected to attend the preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson in Utah next week, according to information from a source close to the matter. This will mark the first significant court appearance Kirk's family is anticipated to witness since Robinson's arrest following the fatal shooting.
The family members are not slated to make any public statements during the proceedings.
Upcoming Preliminary Hearing Details
Tyler Robinson, 22, stands accused of fatally shooting Kirk during a Turning Point USA event held at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. Robinson has not yet entered a plea in the case.
The preliminary hearing is scheduled to span the entire week of July 6. During this time, prosecutors plan to present witnesses with the aim of establishing probable cause against Robinson. If they succeed in demonstrating sufficient evidence, the court will then permit the case to advance to a full trial.
However, there is a possibility that the hearing could be postponed. The Utah Supreme Court is currently reviewing an appeal filed by the defense regarding Judge Tony Graf's decision to deny Robinson's request to prohibit news cameras from the courtroom. Erika Kirk, who has been designated as a victims' advocate, opposed the motion to ban cameras. The state's highest court may issue a ruling on this matter before the end of the current week.
Numerous videos depicting Kirk's death circulated widely online shortly after the shooting, and it is anticipated that similar visual evidence will be presented in court. Both legal teams have reportedly agreed to inform family members in advance of any sensitive evidence being shown, allowing them the option to leave the courtroom beforehand, the source stated.
Charges and Key Evidence
If convicted of the most serious charge, aggravated murder, Robinson could face the death penalty. He also faces six additional charges, which include various weapons offenses, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering.
Unlike a full trial, preliminary hearings permit the inclusion of hearsay testimony. Prosecutors have also successfully petitioned the court to allow them to present a video statement from a witness identified as Twiggs, rather than requiring him to testify in person and face cross-examination. Prosecutors have argued that Twiggs is unavailable to appear live in court, as he has relocated out of state and was briefly under the protection of the FBI due to the high-profile nature of the case.
Court documents allege that Robinson confessed to the killing in conversations with Twiggs and in a note discovered at their shared apartment.
