Prosecutors in Utah began presenting evidence on July 6 in a weeklong preliminary hearing against Tyler Robinson, who is accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September 2025. The hearing, held in Utah County, will determine whether there is sufficient probable cause for Robinson to stand trial in the killing that occurred at Utah Valley University’s campus in Orem.
Robinson is charged with aggravated murder and multiple felonies stemming from the September 10 incident, during which prosecutors say he shot Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump. Following the shooting, Robinson fled the scene, prompting a 33-hour manhunt that concluded when he surrendered to law enforcement on September 11. Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray has indicated plans to seek the death penalty, a position endorsed by Trump.
Judge Tony Graf will not decide Robinson’s guilt or innocence but will assess the credibility of evidence "in the light most favorable to the prosecution" to determine if the case should proceed to trial. The hearing faced delays amid disputes between prosecutors and defense attorneys over evidentiary issues and courtroom camera access.
Graphic videos captured during the shooting circulated widely online, prompting national attention on political violence. In the aftermath, hundreds reportedly lost employment after posting critical comments about Kirk on social media, leading to free-speech litigation and settlements exceeding $3.4 million.
Prosecutors intend to present a range of evidence, including electronic communications, a handwritten note allegedly left by Robinson admitting to the shooting, and video recordings. Deputy Utah County Attorney Ryan McBride said Robinson confessed in messages to his alleged romantic partner and stated in a note, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I took it.” Surveillance video obtained by authorities reportedly shows Robinson arriving on campus, leaving and returning disguised and limping, and then shooting Kirk from a rooftop before fleeing into nearby woods.
A rifle wrapped in a towel and ammunition inscribed with politically charged messages were recovered from the wooded area. The inscriptions include phrases such as “Hey Fascist! Catch!” and references to cultural memes and anti-fascist songs. DNA matching Robinson’s was reportedly found on the rifle and towel, and similar ammunition was discovered in his residence.
Robinson’s defense team plans to call at least three expert witnesses and has challenged the prosecution’s ballistics evidence. They cited a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) report indicating the bullet recovered from Kirk’s body could not be conclusively linked to the rifle associated with Robinson. The defense suggested they might present testimony from an ATF firearms analyst as part of exculpatory evidence. Judge Graf acknowledged the report’s statements as "technically accurate" but cautioned that it could be easily misinterpreted since the bullet also could not be definitively excluded as coming from the rifle.
Family members of Kirk, including his widow Erika Kirk and his parents, are expected to attend the hearing. Prosecutors noted that sensitive information, such as audio recordings, might be disclosed during proceedings, and the family will have the option to leave the courtroom in such instances.