Preliminary Hearing Begins for Man Charged in Charlie Kirk Shooting

A preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson began Monday in Utah state court before Judge Tony Graf. Robinson, 23, faces charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, obstructing justice and witness tampering in the Sept. 10, 2025, shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.

Bagley said he heard a single rifle shot, saw Kirk slump to the left, and could no longer see the right side of Kirk's body. He added that he heard over police radio within moments that someone was in custody.

Bagley said he ran to the gravel roof of the Losee Center building, which had a clear sightline to Kirk's location under a tent. He described markings of elbows, knees and feet that looked like a sniper pad and found a red-and-black screwdriver that appeared out of place. Bagley also spotted an empty pistol holster on the ground after the crowd fled but did not take custody of it.

Bagley began his shift at 11 a.m. that day, assigned to secure an area near the Hall of Flags. Prosecutors allege Robinson left a note for his roommate stating he had the opportunity to take out Kirk and intended to do so, and texted that he targeted Kirk because he had enough of his hatred.

DNA consistent with Robinson was found on the rifle trigger, fired cartridge casing, two unfired cartridges and a towel used to wrap the rifle, authorities said. Robinson turned himself in the day after the shooting after his parents confronted him following the release of a surveillance photo and rifle details.

His parents convinced him to meet a retired sheriff's deputy who helped arrange the surrender.

Robinson has not yet entered a plea. Kirk's parents, Robert and Kathryn, widow Erika, and sister Mary issued a statement Monday describing him as a beloved husband, son, brother, friend and father. The statement said every court proceeding serves as a painful reminder of his death and the loss that has irrevocably impacted their lives and the lives of his children.