The preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, accused of fatally shooting Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, is set to continue Tuesday with expected testimony from his transgender lover. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Robinson, 23, and are using the weeklong hearing to establish grounds for him to stand trial for murder.
On the first day of the hearing on Monday, Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, and his parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk, faced Robinson in court for the first time. State District Judge Tony Graf visibly recoiled while viewing footage of the killing, and Erika Kirk, along with her in-laws, left the courtroom due to the disturbing nature of the testimony. Donald Trump Jr. and his wife, Bettina Anderson Trump, also attended the hearing Monday, reportedly having lunch with Erika Kirk.
Prosecutors allege that Robinson confessed to the shooting in a note and text messages to his roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs, who goes by the name Luna. The note allegedly read, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it," and texts stated Kirk was targeted because Robinson "had enough of his hatred." Judge Graf previously ruled that Twiggs would not have to testify in person, and a recorded statement is expected to be presented Tuesday. Twiggs has cooperated with authorities and has not been implicated in the shooting.
Robinson is accused of shooting Kirk on September 10, 2025, during a speech at Utah Valley University before thousands of attendees. He turned himself in to authorities the following day, September 11, 2025. Robinson's defense attorney, Richard Novak, was overheard laughing on Monday after cameras were prohibited in the courtroom for the day's proceedings.