Charlie Kirk murder: Suspect Tyler Robinson's weeklong preliminary hearing underway

A weeklong preliminary hearing for the man accused of killing Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk got underway Monday in a Utah courtroom where prosecutors will present the evidence they have against Tyler Robinson.

Robinson, is charged with aggravated murder for the killing of Kirk. Kirk was speaking to a crowd of about 3,000 people on Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University in Orem when investigators say Robinson fired a single shot from a building about 140 yards away, striking Kirk, 31, and killing him. Prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted.

While in many cases, prosecutors secure a grand jury indictment behind closed doors and without giving defense lawyers a chance to challenge the evidence, Robinson was charged by information, meaning prosecutors must establish probable cause at a public preliminary hearing before the case can move to trial.

Defense attorneys will be able to cross-examine witnesses. But unlike an actual trial, there is a lower burden of proof. Prosecutors need to show probable cause for the charges against Robinson. They do not have to prove guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. That comes at trial, in front of a jury.

RELATED: Charlie Kirk murder: Judge rules cameras allowed in courtroom for Tyler Robinson trial

Prosecutors have said that during the hearing they plan to introduce forensic analyses, surveillance video, recordings of witness statements, autopsy findings and alleged messages from Robinson admitting to the crime.

Authorities have said DNA consistent with Robinson’s was found on the trigger of the rifle used to kill Kirk, the fired cartridge casing, two unfired cartridges and a towel used to wrap the rifle. Prosecutors also have said Robinson left a note for his romantic partner that read, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it."

Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, and his parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk, are expected to attend the proceedings, and it will be the first time that Kirk’s family will be in the courtroom with the man accused of killing him.

RELATED: Charlie Kirk's family: Who are his wife, kids, parents?

After his death, Erika Kirk took the helm of Turning Point USA, the conservative youth movement her husband co-founded. 

While speaking at her husband’s memorial service, she said she forgave the young man accused of assassinating her husband and continues the push to maintain public access to the court proceedings.

Charlie Kirk's family releases statement

Charlie Kirk's family released the following statement on behalf of his wife, Erika; his parents, Robert and Kathryn; and his sister, Mary:

Charlie Kirk's parents and widow Erika arrive at the courthouse

Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika, arrived at the Fourth District Court in Provo, Utah, on Monday morning. Kirk's parents, Robert and Kathryn, were seen arriving at the Fourth District Court in Provo, Utah, on Monday morning.
 

Former Utah Valley University Police Department officer Chris Bagley takes the stand

Former Utah Valley University Police Department officer Chris Bagley was called to testify by the defense. Bagley said he was an officer at Utah Valley University when Kirk was killed on Sept. 10, 2025.

Utah County Chief Deputy District Attorney questioned Bagley on the layout of the Utah Valley University courtyard, where Robinson allegedly shot and killed Charlie Kirk.

Bagley said there was a clear "line of sight" from the tent where Charlie Kirk was, to the top of the Losee Center where Tyler Robinson allegedly fired the shot.

"On the far south side of the building. You could have a line of sight towards the courtyard," Bagley said. "When I got up there and I could see this disturbance in gravel, to me it looks like a sniper pad. A person that has been laying in a prone position and you've got markings of elbows, knees and feet to where somebody was in the line of sight of where Charlie's tent was."

Bagley is currently an officer with the Spanish Fork Police Department in Utah.

Erika Kirk leaves the courtroom when a police officer described fatal gunshot

Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika, left the courtroom when former Utah Valley University Police Department officer Chris Bagley described the fatal gunshot.

An individual walking with Erika was seen crying, but Erika was not. Erika looked down throughout Bagley's testimony.

Utah investigator describes 'organized chaos' after securing crime scene in Charlie Kirk shooting

Utah State Bureau of Investigation Agent David Hull, who is the prosecutors' second witness, testified on Monday that he learned Charlie Kirk was shot when he was in his Taylorsville office.

Hull said that there was some uncertainty whether they were dealing with an active shooter on the Utah Valley University campus, but added the crime scene was eventually secured.

Once the crime scene was secured, Hull said "it kind of became organized chaos.

"We did have a plan, and our priority was determining whether we had an ability or a way to be able to identify who had been involved in the shooting," Hull said. 

Prosecutors show multiple videos

District Judge Tony Graf was shown several videos from the day Kirk was killed as attorneys from both sides shielded monitors following Graf's decision not to publicize the photographs because of their graphic nature. 

When questioned by prosecutors, Utah State Bureau of Investigations Agent David Hull described the contents of the clips. 

He said that they showed the crowd milling around the event and Kirk interacting with some of the spectators. The videos also contained the moments where Kirk was shot, as well as the hectic scene that followed, with security personnel taking him away while administering first aid.

Crime and Public Safety