Tyler Robinson, accused in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, appears during a hearing in 4th District Court on June 12, 2026 in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Francisco Kjolseth-Pool/Getty Images)
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.
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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.
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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
Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk is seen onstage at the Fiserv Forum during preparations for the Republican National Convention (RNC) on July 14, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Charlie Kirk's family released the following statement on behalf of his wife, Erika; his parents, Robert and Kathryn; and his sister, Mary:
The Source: Information in this article includes reporting from The Associated Press, FOX News, and previous FOX Local reporting. This story was reported from Orlando.