A Utah judge has issued a pretrial protective order for Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk.
Prosecutors requested the order before a virtual court hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 16, when Tyler Robinson — the man accused of killing Kirk — appeared before a judge for the first time since the shooting of the right-wing activist.
The order prevents Robinson from contacting Erika in any way and warns that he could face extra charges if he breaks the order.
Judge Tony Graf said he reviewed the request and “will be grant issuing this pre-trial protective order in favor of Erika Kirk.”
This ruling came just a few hours after Robinson was formally charged earlier that day.
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said the 22-year-old was charged with single counts of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and violent offense in the presence of a child, along with two counts each of obstruction of justice and witness tampering.
Robinson has not entered a plea yet and does not have legal representation, but he is scheduled to return to court for another hearing on Sept. 29. By that time, Judge Graf said a public defender will have been assigned to represent him.
Robinson is also facing the death penalty in connection with the shooting of Kirk, who was killed by a high-powered, bolt-action rifle while speaking at a Turning Point USA rally at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, Sept. 10.
After her husband’s death, Erika Kirk made a public statement saying she plans to continue Charlie’s mission and that Turning Point USA will keep going with its American Comeback Tour.
“The evil doers responsible for my husband’s assassination have no idea what they have done,” she said. “If you thought that my husband’s mission was powerful before, you have no idea … you have no idea what you have just unleashed.”
She added, “You have no idea the fire you ignited within this wife.”
