Prosecutors have argued to a Utah judge that there is sufficient probable cause to proceed with a trial for Tyler Robinson, who is accused of the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The Utah County Attorney's Office filed a written argument asserting that the case is "straightforward."
"This isn't a close case," prosecutors stated in their filing with the 4th District Court in Provo. The argument was submitted to Judge Tony Graf, who will decide whether to move the case to trial. A hearing for final oral arguments from both sides is scheduled for Sept. 1.
Robinson's defense attorneys have until Aug. 11 to submit their written response. Robinson, 23, faces charges including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, two counts of witness tampering, and commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child. Prosecutors have stated they intend to seek the death penalty.
Kirk, a co-founder of the conservative student organization Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on Sept. 10, 2025, during an outdoor rally at Utah Valley University. Prosecutors allege that Robinson fired a rifle from a rooftop approximately 200 feet away from the event. During a week-long preliminary hearing, law enforcement witnesses presented security videos that prosecutors claim place Robinson at the scene, including footage allegedly showing him on the building's roof.
Prosecutors also introduced a video statement from Robinson's roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs. Twiggs testified that Robinson confessed to the killing in a letter, text messages, and in person. "He started crying a little bit, and he said he wishes he hadn't done it," Twiggs said in the video, filmed in April 2026. Twiggs stated Robinson admitted to the act when asked about a prior conversation. "He didn't go into detail. I just asked him in person what he said was true the night before, and he said it was," Twiggs recounted. "He didn't go into detail. I just asked him in person what he said was true the night before, and he said it was," Twiggs said in the video filmed in April 2026 at the Utah County Attorney's Office. "He started crying a little bit, and he said he wishes he hadn't done it, and kept going around just doing stuff, I think to keep himself busy or distracted, or something."
In their filing, prosecutors asserted that Robinson committed the homicide in front of approximately 3,000 witnesses and that he surrendered to law enforcement after an extensive manhunt. "These admissions, along with others, establish probable cause to support most of the elements of the charges," the filing stated. "DNA testing, surveillance video, and eyewitness testimony buttress those elements and demonstrate probable cause to support the remaining elements."
Kirk's family, including his widow Erika Kirk and his parents Robert and Kathryn, attended the preliminary hearing. Donald Trump Jr., a friend of Kirk's, was also present. The Kirk family released a statement during the hearing, saying, "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. We remain deeply grateful for the support, prayers, and kindness we have received. This outpouring has sustained us during the darkest days of our lives."