Judge weighs trial for Tyler Robinson in Charlie Kirk killing

Fourth District Judge Tony Graf presided over the five-day preliminary hearing in Provo. The Utah County Attorney’s Office sought to show probable cause in the case against Tyler Robinson for the killing of Charlie Kirk, charged by information rather than by grand jury indictment.

That lower standard means prosecutors only have to convince Graf that enough evidence exists to move the case forward, not prove Robinson guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If Graf binds the case over for trial, Robinson would remain facing an aggravated murder charge in the Sept. 10, 2025 shooting and prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty if he is convicted.

Kirk was shot while speaking to a crowd of roughly 3,000 people at Utah Valley University in Orem. The shot came from a building about 140 yards away. Robinson turned himself in the next day.

Prosecutors planned to present 40 to 50 exhibits, including multiple videos, surveillance footage, witness statements, autopsy findings and DNA evidence that connects Robinson to the suspected murder weapon and related items. They would also rely on messages and a note in which Robinson wrote, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.” Prosecutors also intend to argue that the shooting endangered other people at the campus event, a factor that could count as an aggravating circumstance under Utah law.

Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, attended and was in the same courtroom with Robinson for the first time. Donald Trump Jr. also attended. Erika Kirk was escorted into the courthouse and later left after testimony began.

Robinson has not entered a plea, and his lawyers have not publicly commented.