Charlie Kirk's widow fights to keep news cameras in courtroom for accused assassin's trial

Tune in for an in-depth conversation: Catch the full interview this Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on “Jesse Watters Primetime.”

Erika Kirk, the widow of Turning Point USA’s founder Charlie Kirk, is urging a judge to deny a request seeking to limit media coverage in the courtroom during the trial of Tyler Robinson, who stands accused of her husband’s murder.

In an exclusive interview with Fox News’ Jesse Watters, Erika Kirk expressed her desire for transparency. “Cameras were present when my husband was killed,” she stated. “They’ve been there capturing the grief of my friends and family. They’ve scrutinized my every expression, my every smile, and tear. We have the right to have cameras in the courtroom as well.”

The case against Robinson has drawn significant public attention, prompting heightened security at the courthouse. The accused has yet to make a physical appearance, opting instead to participate in the last two public hearings via virtual means.

erika kirk speaks at TPUSA ole miss event

In a discussion at a Turning Point USA event at the University of Mississippi on October 29, 2025, Erika Kirk reiterated her stance. “Why shy away from transparency?” she asked. “There’s nothing to conceal, and I can vouch for that, having seen the evidence the case is built on.”

“Why not be transparent?” Kirk continued. “There’s nothing to hide. I know there’s not because I’ve seen what the case is built on.”

Robinson, 22, is accused of firing a single shot with a Mauser .30-06 from a rooftop at Utah Valley University, fatally striking Charlie Kirk in the neck as he addressed an audience during a Turning Point USA event minutes after noon on Sept. 10.

Charlie Kirk on Utah Valley University campus

Charlie Kirk speaks at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah, minutes before his assassination. His widow, Erika Kirk, noted that millions of people saw video of her husband’s death as she called for cameras to be allowed in court at hearings involving his accused assassin, Tyler Robinson. (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune/Getty Images)

“Let everyone see what true evil is,” Erika Kirk added. “This is something that could impact generations to come.”

a gray slate reads "Utah County Jail" where Tyler Robinson's face should appear

A still image from the court stream shows a slate reading “Utah County Jail” where Tyler Robinson’s face would have appeared. The 22-year-old is accused of assassinating Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk and has attended his two latest public hearings remotely and without showing his face. (Utah 4th Judicial District Court)

Robinson faces a slew of charges, including aggravated murder, which carries the potential the death penalty. He has not yet entered a plea.

Judge Tony Graf recently granted a defense motion to allow Robinson to wear civilian clothes in court, citing his constitutional presumption of innocence, but denied a motion to allow him to appear without shackles.

tyler robinson appears virtually in court from a utah jail wearing a green vest designed to prevent self-harm

Tyler Robinson appears virtually in Utah court on Sept. 16, 2025, the only time his face has been shown in court following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. (Utah State Courts)

He told lawyers at Robinson’s last hearing to submit new briefs and a new motion regarding the issues of cameras in court.

Robinson’s next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 16, 2026, when he is expected to make his first in-person appearance.

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