world
Preliminary Hearing Opens for Suspect in Charlie Kirk Shooting; No Plea Entered
A Utah court began reviewing evidence Monday to decide whether Tyler James Robinson should stand trial for the September 2025 killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Prosecutors plan to introduce DNA matches, text messages, a note and video footage over up to five days. Kirk's widow and parents are expected to attend.
AB
ABC NewsAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
A preliminary hearing opened Monday in the 4th District Court in Provo, Utah, to determine whether prosecutors have sufficient evidence to bring Tyler James Robinson to trial on charges that include aggravated murder in the death of Charlie Kirk. District Judge Tony Graf is presiding over the proceeding, which is scheduled to last up to five days.
Post by @ABC on X
Prosecutors intend to present DNA evidence, text messages, a note left for Robinson's roommate, witness statements and video of the shooting.
Robinson, 23, faces charges of 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. He has not entered a plea. Kirk was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Authorities said the shot came from the rooftop of a building about 200 feet away. Robinson surrendered the following night after his father contacted law enforcement. Prosecutors allege Robinson left a note for his roommate stating he had the opportunity to kill Kirk and intended to take it.
They also cite text messages in which Robinson allegedly wrote that he had enough of Kirk's hatred and that some hate cannot be negotiated out. DNA consistent with Robinson was found on the rifle trigger, a fired cartridge casing, two unfired cartridges and a towel used to wrap the weapon. Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, and his parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk, are expected to attend the hearing.
President Donald Trump posthumously awarded Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom on October 14, 2025. Robinson's roommate, Lance Twiggs, provided a recorded interview to prosecutors on April 20, 2026, under limited immunity. Robinson is the oldest of three brothers and was a third-year student in an electrical apprenticeship program at Utah's Dixie Technical College.
