Judge to Decide if Evidence Sufficient for Trial in Charlie Kirk Killing Case

A preliminary hearing started Monday in Provo, Utah, where Judge Tony Graf will assess whether there is probable cause to move the case against the alleged shooter, identified as 22-year-old Michael Robinson, to trial. The hearing, which may continue through the week, is not a trial but a procedural step similar to a grand jury proceeding.

Erika Kirk, the widow of the victim, attended the hearing and was allowed to step out of the courtroom as needed. Three additional law-enforcement officers are slated to testify later on Monday.

Prosecutors plan to present surveillance footage, autopsy reports, witness statements and a recorded interview with Lance Twiggs, Robinson’s former roommate, who has been granted immunity. The interview is expected to address Robinson’s motive.

"We have substantial evidence linking the defendant to the crime, including video and forensic material," the prosecution said.

Robinson has not yet entered a plea, and his defense team has signaled that it may raise procedural challenges. The hearing will reveal whether the defense will acknowledge Robinson as the shooter or contest the evidence.

Investigators have released text messages between Robinson and Twiggs in which Robinson appears to admit responsibility, stating he was “done with his hatred.”

Robinson’s family recognized him in the released surveillance images and facilitated his surrender. He remains in custody and faces a possible death-penalty charge.

The case has drawn extensive media attention since the September 2025 shooting at Utah Valley University, where Kirk was answering a question about transgender issues and gun violence. The hearing follows prior court rulings that barred prosecutors from commenting publicly on the strength of the evidence.