Accused killer planned Charlie Kirk shooting for weeks, court hears

A pre-recorded deposition played during a preliminary hearing on the fourth day of proceedings detailed messages between the accused and an ex-roommate about planning the September 10, 2025 shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. The deposition stated that the accused asked about a Dremel engraver tool roughly a month before the event to create messages on bullets.

The ex-roommate recalled the accused mentioning a family hunting trip as the reason for the request.

Messages and planning Text messages shown in court indicated the accused had been planning the attack for more than a week. One message stated the accused would attempt to retrieve a rifle unseen and planned to update the recipient by midnight. The ex-roommate replied asking how long the planning had been underway.

The accused responded that it had been a bit over a week and noted a squad car parked near the location.

Engraved ammunition Court evidence included ammunition labeled with phrases including "Hey fascist," "Catch," "O bella ciao," "ciao ciao," and "notices bulge." The deposition described the accused admitting the planning in a text chain. The hearing continues with additional testimony scheduled.