A preliminary hearing is underway in Provo, Utah, to determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed with capital murder charges against Tyler Robinson, accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The hearing, which is scheduled to last five days, will lay out the prosecution's case, aiming to convince a judge that Robinson should stand trial and face the death penalty.
Robinson, 23, has not yet entered a plea to the aggravated murder charge. The proceedings are being held under heavy security, including rooftop police snipers, and are attended by Kirk's family, including his widow Erika, and his parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk. Donald Trump Jr. was also present, highlighting the case's significance within MAGA circles.
Prosecutors are presenting evidence that they say proves Robinson's guilt, including surveillance footage, DNA evidence, and text messages exchanged between Robinson and his transgender lover, Lance Twiggs. Agent David Hull of the Utah State Bureau of Investigation testified that surveillance video showed a figure, identified as Robinson, on the roof of the Losee Center, a building offering a clear line of sight to the tent where Kirk was speaking. The figure was seen in a prone position before leaving the roof, carrying an item.
A campus police officer, Chris Bagley, described finding a disturbance in the gravel on the roof, consistent with someone lying in a prone position. Prosecutors intend to present approximately 40 to 50 exhibits, including DNA evidence suggesting Robinson's finger was on the trigger of the rifle used in the shooting, as well as on the spent cartridge casing and other items found near the scene. Autopsy findings, surveillance video, and statements by the accused to relatives are also expected to be introduced.
The text messages between Robinson and Twiggs are a key part of the prosecution's case. In their final conversation, Robinson allegedly told Twiggs to check under his keyboard, where prosecutors claim a note was found stating: "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it." Twiggs responded with disbelief, to which Robinson allegedly confirmed he was the shooter, expressing regret for involving Twiggs. He allegedly explained he had borrowed a hunting rifle from his grandfather and disposed of it near the scene. Robinson reportedly told Twiggs he had "had enough of his hatred" and had been planning the act for "a bit over a week."
The defense has challenged the prosecution's evidence. They elicited an admission from Agent Hull that the surveillance video does not show clear facial features and that witnesses to the individual on the roof initially thought he might be a law enforcement officer. Defense lawyers also filed court documents suggesting a bullet fragment from Kirk's body did not match the rifle linked to Robinson, though an ATF analysis found the comparison inconclusive.
Charlie Kirk, 31, was assassinated on September 10, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University as part of his "American Comeback" tour. His death has been framed by some as a symptom of rising political violence, while others point to Kirk's own provocative rhetoric and hardline political stances. President Trump, before a suspect was identified, blamed "radical Left political violence" for the killing.
Robinson was apprehended 34 hours after the shooting after his parents, who recognized him in a suspect photo, persuaded him to surrender. Erika Kirk has since taken over leadership of Turning Point USA, the organization co-founded by her late husband, and has stated she forgives his killer. The case is complicated by the high profile of the victim and the jury pool's potential preconceptions. A survey commissioned by the defense indicated that 64 percent of Utah County residents believe Robinson is guilty. The judge has allowed an expanded and rigorously vetted jury pool but rejected a request for a change of venue.