Prosecutors in Utah have argued that the evidence against Tyler Robinson, the man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk, is substantial enough to warrant a trial. In a written brief filed Tuesday, prosecutors urged Judge Tony Graf to send the case to trial, stating that the evidence "easily meets the standard required" for probable cause.
In a 28-page memorandum, prosecutors highlighted Robinson's alleged admissions to friends, including his former roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs. Twiggs testified during a preliminary hearing that Robinson confessed to the killing, stating, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it." Robinson reportedly also admitted to planning the assassination for "a bit over a week" and expressed intent to surrender to law enforcement. "This is likely as straight-forward a bindover decision as this Court will ever see," the brief stated, referring to the process of sending a case to trial.
The filing asserts that these admissions, combined with other evidence, establish probable cause for most charges. Additional evidence cited includes DNA found on the suspected murder weapon, a fired cartridge casing, a towel, and a screwdriver. Surveillance video reportedly tracked Robinson's movements across the Utah Valley University campus before and after the September 10, 2025, shooting, and eyewitness testimony placed the alleged gunman on a rooftop overlooking Kirk's event.
Prosecutors argue that this collection of evidence, including DNA testing, surveillance footage, and witness accounts, buttresses the alleged confessions and demonstrates probable cause for all charges. They contend that Robinson intentionally targeted Kirk, endangered bystanders by firing into a crowd, and planned the assassination for over a week.
Robinson, 23, faces charges including aggravated murder and six other felony and misdemeanor counts. He has not yet entered a plea. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for the aggravated murder charge. The defense is expected to file its response in the coming weeks, with oral arguments scheduled for September 1.
If Judge Graf finds probable cause, Robinson will be bound over for trial. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his "American Comeback Tour" at Utah Valley University when he was shot and killed.