Prosecutors in Utah have begun a preliminary hearing to establish probable cause for a trial in the murder of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, who was fatally shot last year during a campus event. The hearing, held in a packed courtroom in Provo, aims to convince District Court Judge Tony Graf that Tyler Robinson, 23, from Washington, Utah, fired the single shot that killed Kirk on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University in Orem.
Kirk, 31, had gained national recognition for mobilizing young voters in support of former President Donald Trump’s 2024 election campaign. At the time of the shooting, he was participating in a debate at the university, which attracted a large audience. Robinson, who was studying to become an electrician, reportedly drove approximately four hours to attend the event and surrendered to authorities the day following the incident.
On the first day of the week-long proceedings, a former university police officer testified that he witnessed Kirk being shot and described the chaotic scene. The officer detailed his discovery of what he described as a "sniper pad" on the roof of a campus building, where the fatal shot appeared to have been fired from. He identified disturbed gravel consistent with someone positioning themselves for a shot and referenced video footage showing an individual climbing the roof, firing, and then escaping by dropping off the roof into the surrounding grass.
Prosecutors have indicated they will present various pieces of evidence linking Robinson to the crime, including surveillance video from the university, DNA evidence from the rifle believed to be the murder weapon, and a recorded statement from Robinson’s roommate. They also intend to introduce a handwritten note allegedly stating, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it.” The state has announced plans to seek the death penalty against Robinson, who faces seven criminal charges, including aggravated murder.
Robinson’s defense team, meanwhile, is expected to challenge aspects of the prosecution’s case, particularly ballistics evidence. Testing on a bullet fragment removed from Kirk’s body reportedly did not conclusively link the bullet to the rifle associated with Robinson. During cross-examination, Robinson’s attorney questioned the adequacy of campus security at the event, noting there were no metal detector screenings despite six campus police officers being present along with Kirk’s personal security detail.
Among those attending the hearing were Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, seated near Robinson, as well as notable figures such as Donald Trump Jr. and right-wing activist Jack Posobiec. If Judge Graf determines probable cause exists, Robinson could enter a plea at arraignment the same day, with a subsequent trial date to be scheduled. The case has drawn national attention amid ongoing concerns about political violence in the United States.