A Utah judge approved a protective order that restricts the man accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk from contacting Kirk’s widow while the suspect awaits court proceedings in his aggravated murder case.
Tyler James Robinson, 22, has been charged with multiple felonies in connection the shooting at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. Prosecutors have indicated they will seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted.
The order was filed Tuesday afternoon, after Robinson appeared remotely for his first court hearing.
The pretrial protective order designated Erika Kirk as an “alleged victim” in the case and barred Robinson from threatening, harassing, stalking or otherwise contacting her.
Robinson is being held in the Utah County jail without the possibility of posting bail.
“It’s not only to protect the person in question from direct harm or direct access,” said Utah County spokesperson Richard Piatt, “but [also] if someone has indirect access, or directs somebody else to do it.”
Utah law makes such a move standard in qualifying cases, like those involving domestic violence or sex-related crimes, and much of the statute is focused on remedies for such offenses.
But the law also allows judges to impose a protective order in any case during a hearing where a defendant is present.
Fourth District Judge Tony F. Graf indicated during Tuesday’s initial appearance hearing that he would approve the order. If Robinson violates the order, he could be charged with a third-degree felony, according to the order.
Days after Kirk’s death, Erika Kirk spoke out 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, this time at Utah State University in Logan, about 120 miles north of UVU in Orem. Robinson attended USU for one semester in 2021.
A spokesperson for Turning Point USA, the nonprofit Charlie Kirk co-founded, has said the tour will continue as planned.