Prosecutors begin case against Tyler Robinson in Charlie Kirk killing

Prosecutors opened their case against Tyler Robinson in Utah’s Fourth District Court on Monday, beginning a five-day preliminary hearing that will be livestreamed to the public. The hearing is the first time Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, and his parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk, were expected in the courtroom with Robinson.

The proceeding is not the trial itself. In Utah, a preliminary hearing is a screening stage, with prosecutors laying out enough evidence for a judge to decide whether the case should advance. Robinson has not entered a plea, and he remains presumed innocent even as prosecutors pursue the death penalty if he is convicted.

Kirk was shot on Sept. 10, 2025, while speaking before a crowd of thousands at Utah Valley University in Orem, just minutes into the event. Prosecutors say Robinson turned himself in after a 33-hour manhunt. Kirk was 31 and had built Turning Point USA as its CEO and co-founder, while also serving as a close ally of President Donald Trump.

Prosecutors plan to present forensic analyses, surveillance video, witness statements, autopsy findings and alleged admissions. Investigators believe DNA consistent with Robinson’s was found on the rifle trigger, on a fired cartridge casing, on two unfired cartridges and on a towel used to wrap the weapon. Prosecutors also say Robinson left a note to a romantic partner saying, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it,” and that he sent a text message confession.

Judge Tony Graf has kept the case open to public view, allowing cameras and microphones in the courtroom while restricting laptops and phones inside the room. He denied a defense request to close part of the hearing and earlier held a prosecutor in civil contempt over public comments, but he kept the death penalty on the table.

Erika Kirk has publicly said she forgives the accused shooter while also pressing for access to the proceedings.