Tyler Robinson spotted laughing in court as Charlie Kirk's parents, widow attend hearing

The preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, the man charged with fatally shooting Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk in September, began on Monday morning, with Robinson being seen laughing with his attorney while Erika Kirk, Kirk’s widow, as well as Kirk’s family, attended the hearing.

Erika Kirk was seen entering the courtroom on Monday morning holding hands with her mother-in-law, Kathryn, per KUTV’s Heidi Hatch. Also attending were Charlie Kirk’s father, Robert, as well as two other family members who were reportedly from Erika Kirk’s side of the family. 

Ahead of the hearing's start, Erika Kirk was seen crying, while Robinson was seen laughing with his attorney, per NewsNation's Brian Entin. Erika Kirk later left the hearing when a witness for the prosecution recounted the moments of the September shooting. 

Also attending the hearing were Donald Trump Jr. and his wife, as well as Human Events’ Jack Posobiec, both in the front row. Robinson’s parents and family attended the hearing, reportedly sitting in a row in front of another row occupied by law enforcement officers. 

 

In a statement released ahead of the hearing, Kirk’s family said, "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."

"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. Out of respect for the judicial process, we will not be commenting further at this time. We ask for continued privacy as we navigate this process and immense grief."

The first day of the preliminary hearing has seen former Utah Valley University police officer Chris Bagley testify about his experience on the day of the shooting. He recalled hearing a shot ring out from his east, and that be believed that the shot came from a rifle, not a pistol. He testified on finding a screwdriver on the roof of the Losee Center, which he said had a direct line of sight to the tent under which Charlie Kirk was, as well as a the imprint of a "sniper nest" being seen in the gravel of the roof.