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The family of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, including his widow Erika Kirk, appeared in court as prosecutors began laying out their evidence against the man charged with his murder.Investigators began testifying July 6 about the chaotic moments after Kirk, 31, was shot during a September event at Utah Valley University and the subsequent search for his killer. Tyler Robinson, 23, turned himself in after a 33-hour manhunt and was charged with aggravated murder and other felonies. Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said he intends to seek the death penalty, a move supported by President Donald Trump.The testimony is part of the prosecution's effort to convince Judge Tony Graf there is sufficient evidence that Robinson committed the crime and the murder trial should proceed. Robinson's defense attorney questioned the law enforcement witnesses about security preparations for the event and their investigation. His defense team has indicated they intend to call their own witnesses as well.Graf acknowledged Kirk's widow in the courtroom at the beginning of the weeklong preliminary hearing on July 6. Kirk's parents Kathryn and Robert were seen entering the courthouse before the hearing began. The president's son, Donald Trump Jr., was also in attendance.Some of Kirk's family left the courtroom before prosecutors showed videos of the shooting captured by bystanders, a videographer and surveillance cameras. Prosecutors are expected to continue presenting video evidence July 7 and call at least two more law enforcement witnesses as the hearing continues.Kirk's widow, who took over as the leader of Turning Point USA after her husband's death, said she forgave Robinson during a tearful address at a memorial service in Arizona.“I forgive him because it was what Christ did and it is what Charlie would do,” Erika Kirk, 36, said to a standing ovation at Glendale, Arizona. “The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the Gospel is love.”The hearing got underway after months of prosecutors and defense attorneys sparring over what evidence could be presented and if cameras would be allowed in the courtroom, which Erika Kirk has called for. The cameras were allowed, but the judge prevented them from capturing some of the graphic footage that was played in court.Kirk's family thanked supporters and asked for privacy as the judicial process moves forward in a statement released on social media."Charlie was a beloved husband, son, brother, friend, and father," the statement said. "Every court proceeding serves as a painful reminder of his death and the loss that has irrevocably impacted our lives and the lives of his children."Contributing: Reuters; Zac Anderson and Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY
