Preliminary hearing begins in Utah murder case of activist Charlie Kirk

A five-day preliminary hearing opened Monday in Provo, Utah, to assess whether prosecutors have enough evidence to move forward with a trial of 23-year-old Tyler Robinson for the September 10 killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. The hearing, described as a "minitrial," will be the first occasion that Kirk’s parents and widow will sit in the courtroom with the defendant.

Robinson, who turned himself in a day after the shooting, is charged with aggravated murder. Prosecutors say a note left for his roommate—who was also his romantic partner—contained a confession stating, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.” They also plan to introduce DNA evidence linking Robinson to the suspected weapon, investigators’ testimony, autopsy results, witness statements and video of the incident. Prosecutors intend to argue that the shooting endangered others at the campus event, an aggravating factor that could make the crime eligible for the death penalty under Utah law.

Robinson has not entered a plea, and his attorneys have not commented on his guilt or innocence, though they have sought to keep the death penalty off the table. The judge, Tony Graf, must decide whether the evidence meets the lower standard required for a preliminary hearing, which is merely reasonable grounds to believe Robinson committed the murder.

"I hope Robinson receives the death penalty," President Donald Trump said in response to the case.

"I forgive Robinson," Erika Kirk, the victim’s widow, said during her husband’s memorial service.

Kirk’s parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk, are also expected to attend the week-long proceedings.