Tyler James Robinson, 22, faces multiple felony counts in connection with the Sept. 10 shooting at Utah Valley University. Prosecutors have said they intend to pursue the death penalty if Robinson is convicted, The Salt Lake Tribune reported.
The pretrial order, filed Tuesday afternoon, designates Erika Kirk as an “alleged victim” in the case and prevents Robinson from threatening, harassing, stalking, or otherwise making contact with her. Robinson is being held in the Utah County Jail without bail.
“It’s not only to protect the person in question from direct harm or direct access,” Utah County spokesperson Richard Piatt said. “But [also] if someone has indirect access, or directs somebody else to do it.”
Utah law makes protective orders routine in cases involving domestic violence or sex-related crimes, but the statute also allows judges to impose such restrictions in other cases if the defendant is present during a hearing.
Fourth District Judge Tony F. Graf indicated during Robinson’s initial appearance Tuesday that he would approve the order. Violating the terms could result in a third-degree felony.
In the days following her husband’s death, Erika Kirk delivered an emotional address during an online livestream.
“The evil-doers responsible for my husband’s assassination have no idea what they have done,” she said. “They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith and of God’s merciful love. They should all know this: If you thought that my husband’s mission was powerful before, you have no idea. You have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country.”
Turning Point USA’s “American Comeback Tour” is scheduled to return to Utah on Sept. 30 at Utah State University in Logan, about 120 miles from UVU in Orem. Robinson briefly attended USU in 2021.
Both Erika Kirk and a spokesperson for Turning Point USA has confirmed the tour will move forward as planned.
“Our campus tour this fall will continue,” Erika Kirk said.
“There will be even more tours in the years to come. AmericaFest here in Phoenix this December will go on. It will be greater than ever. The radio and podcast show that he was so proud of will go on. And in a world filled with chaos, doubt and uncertainty, my husband’s voice will remain. And it will ring out louder and more clearly than ever. And his wisdom will endure,” she said.
Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Gray announced Tuesday that Tyler Robinson has been formally charged with the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and prosecutors will pursue the death penalty.
Gray said Robinson faces seven charges in total: aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, two counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of witness tampering, and commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child. Robinson, 22, is being held without bail in the Utah County Jail. He is scheduled to make his first court appearance at 3 p.m. MT, where he will appear virtually. During the hearing, the court will confirm that Robinson has an attorney present to represent him, and the charges will be read aloud.
At Tuesday’s press conference, Gray detailed the evidence collected by investigators. A bolt-action rifle wrapped in a towel was found in a wooded area where surveillance video showed Robinson leaving campus after the shooting. The rifle contained one spent round and three unspent rounds, and investigators sent the weapon, ammunition, and towel for forensic testing.
“DNA consistent with the defendant was found on the trigger, other parts of the rifle, the fired cartridge casing, two of the three unfired cartridges, and the towel,” Gray said.
