Preliminary hearing begins for Tyler Robinson in Charlie Kirk killing case

The preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson opened Monday in 4th District Court in Provo after the Utah Supreme Court rejected his bid to delay it over cameras in the courtroom and hearsay evidence. Judge Tony Graf kept the proceeding open to the public. Prosecutors will seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted.

Prosecutors are seeking to show there is enough probable cause to send Robinson to trial on aggravated murder charges tied to Charlie Kirk’s killing at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025. Charlie Kirk was speaking at a student-sponsored Turning Point USA event when he was shot around 12:20 p.m. MST, taken to Timpanogos Regional Hospital and later pronounced dead. Robinson has not entered a plea.

In testimony, investigator David Hull said Robinson spent hours on campus before the shooting, bought a meal at Chick-fil-A and interacted with people from Kirk’s organization before returning in different clothes and firing from a rooftop. Previously unseen campus surveillance video was shown as part of that account.

The suspected murder weapon, a bolt-action rifle with one spent round, was found wrapped in a towel in nearby woods. DNA on the towel matched Robinson and a second profile very likely his. Robinson left a note and texted his roommate, Lance Twiggs, after the shooting, and Twiggs received immunity for statements about the case. The defense has pressed to limit camera coverage and hearsay testimony, while prosecutors oppose forcing Twiggs to appear in person.