Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk and her family released a public statement this week as the preliminary hearing began for Tyler Robinson, who is accused of assassinating her husband, Charlie Kirk.
A statement was posted on Erika Kirk’s X account Monday morning “on behalf of Charlie Kirk’s immediate family, his parents Robert and Kathryn, his wife, Erika, and his sister, Mary” as the preliminary hearing opened in Provo, Utah.
LIVE: Watch Day 5 of Tyler Robinson’s Pretrial Hearing
“Charlie was a beloved husband, son, brother, friend, and father. 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,” read the statement.
“We remain deeply grateful for the support, prayers, and kindness we have received. This outpouring has sustained us during the darkest days of our lives.”
The statement went on to say that “we will not be commenting further at this time” out of “respect for the judicial process,” and requested “continued privacy as we navigate this process and immense grief.”
TPUSA spokesman Andrew Kolvet took to his X account on Wednesday to post a video in tribute to Charlie Kirk and his efforts in co-founding and growing TPUSA and TPUSA Faith.
“This week, as the preliminary hearing rolls on and we’re all forced to relive his tragic murder, I find myself wanting to remember Charlie’s incredible life,” Kolvet tweeted. “Our team put this CK tribute together, and they did a great job. I hope you’ll watch it.”
On Sept. 10, Charlie Kirk was speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, when he was fatally shot. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital, leaving behind his wife, Erika, and their two young children.
Shortly after the incident, a then 22-year-old Robinson was arrested and charged with the murder. According to authorities, it is believed that he killed Charlie Kirk due to political differences, especially on the issue of transgenderism.
Robinson was later charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, tampering with a witness, and violent offense committed in the presence of a child. If convicted, he might receive the death penalty.
On Monday, as the trial proceedings began, it marked the first reported instance in which Erika Kirk and members of her family were in the same room as Robinson.
As Chris Bagley, a former UVU police officer, gave details about the shooting, Erika Kirk and other family members and supporters temporarily excused themselves from the courtroom.
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