I remember the day Charlie Kirk was murdered as if it happened yesterday.

Like many others, I saw the video on X before I realized what had actually taken place. It wasn't until moments later that the horrifying reality set in: the world had just watched a Christian husband, father and fearless defender of Biblical truth lose his life in an act of evil.

While our hearts still grieve that loss, we do not grieve as those who have no hope. Charlie is with the Lord he loved and proclaimed so boldly. Our prayers, however, remain with Erika, their children and the entire Kirk family as they continue walking through an unimaginable valley.

That painful reality returned to the forefront Monday as Charlie's family came face to face for the first time with the man accused of assassinating him during the opening day of a preliminary hearing in Utah.

According to Fox News, Tyler Robinson sat quietly in the courtroom as prosecutors presented evidence related to the Sept. 10, 2025, assassination. The hearing is expected to continue throughout the week as prosecutors seek to move the aggravated murder case toward trial.

One of the most shocking moments came when investigators introduced video evidence of the shooting. Although the graphic footage was shown only to the judge and attorneys, the courtroom could hear the fatal gunshot.

"While Judge Tony Graf Jr. flinched and leaned away from the screen when the shot rang out in one of the videos, Robinson remained still during both," Fox News reported.

Charlie Kirk's wife, Erika, along with his parents and other family members, left the courtroom before the graphic evidence and autopsy testimony were presented after receiving advance warnings. (Screengrab image: via Fox News video)

Investigators later confirmed Kirk's death was a homicide caused by a gunshot wound to the neck. Officer Christopher Bagley also testified that he believed the fatal shot came from a rifle fired from the rooftop of the Losee Center. He told the court he found "a black and red screwdriver and impressions in the gravel that he described as what looked like a 'sniper's pad.'"

The judge also ruled that an edited surveillance video could not yet be admitted because it had not been properly authenticated, though prosecutors indicated they plan to introduce an unedited version later in the hearing.

Charlie lived without apology for Jesus Christ. Whether speaking on college campuses, behind a microphone or in front of thousands, he consistently pointed people toward Biblical truth and encouraged Christians to stand firm in their faith despite growing hostility.

Jesus warned His followers that such opposition would come.  "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you" (John 15:18). He also said, "If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20). Charlie understood that following Christ carries a cost, and he never stopped proclaiming the truth.

As these proceedings continue, let us faithfully lift up Erika, Charlie's children and the entire Kirk family before the Lord. Pray that He strengthens them, comforts them and surrounds them with His peace. Pray that justice is carried out faithfully. And pray against the vile lies and hateful attacks that continue to be directed toward this grieving family. Those lies do not come from the Spirit of God, but from the father of lies (John 8:44). Even in the face of darkness, we know Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33), and His light will always shine brighter than the works of the enemy. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center.

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