A lawyer for Charlie Kirk’s family has argued that video footage and other evidence against Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing the conservative activist, should be made public.
“The Kirk family believes strongly that if the evidence is being admitted in this preliminary hearing, it should be made public for the world to see,” attorney Jeffrey Neiman, who is representing Charlie’s widow, Erika Kirk, and his parents, said in a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, July 8, according to the Associated Press.
He later added, “To not be transparent here, to not be open, to not let the world see what happened, will create doubt and distrust in the judicial system.”
Robinson’s defense lawyer has fought to prevent the publication of an interview with the accused’s roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs, arguing that prosecutors would attempt to portray Twiggs’ statements as a confession from Robinson and therefore hinder Robinson’s right to a fair trial.
Robinson’s preliminary hearing, which will determine if he should proceed to trial, began on Monday, July 6, and will continue on Thursday, July 9.
Kirk was shot and killed at a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University for his nonprofit organization, Turning Point USA, in September 2025. He was 31.
Robinson, 23, surrendered to the local sheriff in St. George, Utah, the following day and was charged with aggravated murder, discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, tampering with a witness and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child. Prosecutors are reportedly seeking the death penalty.
Robinson has not yet entered a plea.
Ahead of the preliminary hearing, Erika, 37, released a joint statement with Kirk’s parents, Robert and Kathryn, and sister Mary.
“Charlie was a beloved husband, son, brother, friend and father,” they said. “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.”
Charlie shared two young children with Erika.
His family added that they are “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 concluded. “We ask for continued privacy as we navigate this process and immense grief.”
During a public memorial service in September 2025, Erika publicly forgave the man who is allegedly responsible for her husband’s death.
“I forgive him because it is what Christ did,” she said at the time. “The answer to hate is not hate.”
