Judge Graf Considers Trial After Final Day of Tyler Robinson Preliminary Hearing
The fifth day of the preliminary hearing in the Tyler Robinson case concluded with the defense presenting its last witness and the judge issuing a sanction on media coverage, while the family of victim Charlie Kirk issued a statement.
The preliminary hearing in the Tyler Robinson case wrapped up on Friday, the fifth and final day, after the defense called its last witness, ATF Agent Samantha Karner, to discuss ballistics evidence. Judge Tony Graf, who presided over the proceedings, denied the defense’s request to ban broadcast cameras but sanctioned media members, ordering that no exhibits be captured or broadcast after an earlier breach of a court order.
During the hearing, prosecutors showed an enhanced video compilation of the moments leading up to the shooting of Charlie Kirk. The video prompted visible distress among Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, and his mother, Kathy Kirk, who were seen holding tissues and leaning on each other. Robinson remained seated with his monitor turned off and did not appear to watch the footage.
The court also played a recorded interview with Lance Twiggs, a former associate of the alleged shooter, in which Twiggs said the suspect expressed regret and wished he had not carried out the attack. The hearing is a procedural step to determine whether the case will proceed to trial.
After the hearing, Charlie Kirk’s family released a statement calling the proceedings “an important step forward in the pursuit of justice” and thanking supporters for their prayers and kindness. The family emphasized the need for a fair, transparent process grounded in facts.
Judge Graf issued a written order stating, "Effective immediately, members of the media shall no longer capture or broadcast any exhibits displayed by the parties during today’s proceedings. The court finds this sanction to be proportional and appropriate in light of the violation of the court’s prior order."