Emotional Moments in Preliminary Hearing for Charlie Kirk’s Assassin

PROVO, Utah — On the second day of the preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk, emotions ran high. Erica Kirk, the victim’s widow, reached out to comfort a woman in the front row who was visibly distressed, offering her a tissue.

The Kirk family, understandably, was given the option to step away during particularly painful testimonies. At one moment, they chose to leave the courtroom while defense attorney Richard Novak cross-examined the lead investigator, David Hull, and the focus turned to the details of the fatal shooting.

DNA Evidence in the Case

In a significant development, DNA from both Tyler Robinson and Lance Twigg was reportedly found, linking them to the shooting incident involving Charlie Kirk.

After about ten minutes, the mood shifted as Erica Kirk returned, leaning against her mother-in-law, Kathy Kirk.

First Encounter with the Assassin

When seated again, Erika extended a tissue to Denae Branch, a woman sitting ahead of her.

Denae expressed her feelings, sharing, “I came out to support Erica, but then I saw her holding onto my sweet mother-in-law and it just… I broke down.” She recalled that just as she was feeling overwhelmed, Erica tapped her on the shoulder to offer the tissue.

Denae and her friends had arrived at the courthouse very early, around 2:30 a.m., to secure a spot. They mentioned that they attended a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, when the tragic shooting occurred.

Interestingly, Tyler Robinson and Charlie Kirk didn’t know each other before the incident but met later through a support group for survivors.

Before the hearing began, court officials asked two women in attendance to cover up their Turning Point USA shirts, adhering to guidelines that discourage expressions of support for either side in the case.

Denae noted, “She didn’t know I was there for her… but that’s just who Erica is. She’s a good person.” Erica declined to comment on camera but mentioned in an Instagram post her hopes that Erica would hear her prayers.