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Erika Kirk to Give First Television Interview Since Husband’s Assassination

In the weeks since Charlie Kirk’s assassination at Utah Valley University, investigators, journalists, and court officials have pieced together a detailed public record of what occurred and how the case has unfolded. The events have drawn national attention for their political, legal, and cultural implications, as well as for the rapid spread of misinformation that followed.

Why this timeline exists

This record documents the confirmed sequence of events surrounding the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the subsequent investigation, legal proceedings, and public response.

Chronology of Key Events

Sept. 10, 2025 — Shooting at Utah Valley University

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, is shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The gunman fires from a rooftop roughly 160 yards away. Kirk dies at the scene.

Sept. 10— Suspect arrives

Fox News confirms Tyler Robinson arrived on campus in a gray Dodge Challenger, changed clothes, and concealed the rifle before positioning himself at the Losee Center.

Sept. 11, 2025 — FBI releases photos, $100K reward

The FBI Salt Lake City office releases surveillance photos of a person of interest and announces a $100,000 reward for information. Investigators recover a high-powered bolt-action rifle and track fingerprints, footprints, and a palm print near the scene.

Sept. 12, 2025 — Arrest after 33-hour manhunt

Tyler James Robinson, 22, turns himself in to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities cite DNA evidence and text messages outlining his plan to “take out” Kirk.

Sept. 15, 2025 — Motive under investigation

‍Utah Gov. Spencer Cox tells NBC’s Meet the Press that the suspect’s motive remains unclear, describing him as “not cooperating.” Investigators cite radicalization through online forums.

Sept 16–17, 2025 — Prosecutors seek death penalty

‍Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray files seven charges, including aggravated murder and obstruction of justice, confirming intent to pursue the death penalty.

‍Sept. 19, 2025 — Timeline reconstruction released

‍Fox News Digital publishes a detailed minute-by-minute account from the day of the attack through Robinson’s surrender.

‍Sept. 21, 2025 — Memorial at State Farm Stadium

‍Tens of thousands gather in Glendale, Arizona, for a public memorial. President Trump calls Kirk “a martyr for truth and freedom,” while Erika Kirk forgives the shooter and urges compassion for “lost boys.”

‍Oct. 1, 2025 — UVU campus access review

‍Fox News publishes exclusive images of the rooftop path used by the gunman. Experts review potential failures in campus security.

‍Oct. 3, 2025 — Evidentiary concerns raised

‍A Fox News analysis notes prosecutors’ focus on message timestamps and firearm chain-of-custody challenges.

‍Oct. 14, 2025 — Medal of Freedom ceremony

‍On what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday, President Trump awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the White House Rose Garden. Erika Kirk accepts the medal, saying: “To die free is the greatest victory.”

‍Oct. 27, 2025 — Court allows civilian attire

‍Judge Tony Graf rules that Robinson may wear street clothes at pre-trial hearings but must remain restrained. The media are restricted from filming restraints or transitions.

‍Oct. 29, 2025 — FBI addresses inter-agency reports

‍Fox News Digital cites an FBI source rejecting claims of conflict between the FBI and NCTC over case management, calling reports of a rift “unfounded.”

‍Nov 3–5, 2025 — Erika Kirk supports open-court coverage

‍Erika Kirk publicly urges transparency in court proceedings, arguing that cameras should be permitted during her husband’s trial.

‍Jan. 16, 2026 — First in-person hearing scheduled

‍Robinson’s initial in-person appearance is set for Jan. 16, 2026, when prosecutors expect to present pre-trial motions and confirm witness lists.

Sept. 10— Suspect arrives

Oct. 31, 2025 — Tennessee

Tennessee prosecutors dropped a felony charge against Larry Bushart, a former law enforcement officer arrested for posting a meme that authorities said caused panic under a new state law addressing online threats of mass violence. Bushart was jailed for five weeks before District Attorney Hans Schwendimann dismissed the case. The arrest had drawn national criticism from free speech advocates.

Source: The Epoch Times — “Tennessee Authorities Drop Charge Against Man Over Meme Posted After Kirk’s Assassination” (Oct. 31, 2025)

Thematic Filters

The Attack and Investigation

Sept. 10, 2025: Charlie Kirk was shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University.
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‍Sept. 10, 2025: Suspect Tyler Robinson was seen on campus surveillance before the shooting.
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‍Sept. 11, 2025: FBI releases images of person of interest; rifle recovered nearby.
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‍Sept. 12, 2025: Robinson turns himself in to authorities after a 33-hour manhunt.

Legal Proceedings

Sept. 16–17, 2025: Prosecutors charge Robinson with aggravated murder and seek the death penalty.

‍Oct. 3, 2025: Evidentiary hearings held on forensic material and digital communications.

‍Oct. 27, 2025: Judge allows Robinson to appear in civilian attire during pre-trial hearings.

‍Nov. 3–5, 2025: Erika Kirk opposes defense request to bar cameras in courtroom.

‍Jan. 16, 2026: Robinson scheduled to appear in person for the first court hearing.

Public and Political Response

Sept. 15, 2025: Gov. Spencer Cox discusses possible political motives on national broadcasts.

‍Sept. 21, 2025: Memorial held at State Farm Stadium in Arizona; remarks by President Trump and Erika Kirk.

‍Oct. 14, 2025: President Trump awards Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Media Coverage and Narrative

Sept. 19, 2025: Fox News publishes an investigative reconstruction of the shooting.

‍Oct. 1, 2025: Fox exclusive on campus access and law enforcement review.

‍Oct. 29, 2025: NBC reports FBI dismissal of alleged internal dispute in case.

Sources