Utah judge to rule on whether evidence warrants trial of Charlie Kirk shooting suspect

A Utah district judge is set to determine on Tuesday whether the evidence presented by prosecutors is enough to proceed to trial against 23-year-old Tyler Robinson, who is accused of killing political activist Charlie Kirk. Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder, a first-degree felony that carries a possible death-penalty sentence, and has not yet entered a plea.

Robinson surrendered to authorities the day after the Sept. 10 shooting at Utah Valley University, where Kirk was speaking. The hearing will allow each side up to two hours for closing arguments before the judge takes a brief recess and issues a ruling.

Prosecutors have submitted surveillance video, digital records and forensic material. Former State Bureau of Investigation agent David Hull testified that Robinson arrived on campus hours before the shooting, purchased a meal at a campus Chick-fil-A, and met with Turning Point USA representatives before changing clothes and positioning himself on a rooftop overlooking the amphitheater. Hull described video footage showing Robinson crouching on the roof, firing, then fleeing the scene on foot.

Law enforcement also presented a partially redacted interview with Lance Twiggs, Robinson’s former partner, who said Robinson expressed regret after the shooting and considered turning himself in. DNA from a towel wrapping the suspected bolt-action rifle, recovered near the amphitheater, matched both Robinson and Twiggs, according to Sgt. Jennifer Faumuina of the Utah Department of Public Safety.

Robinson’s defense challenged the DNA findings and called FBI forensic analyst Amanda Bakker to discuss possible testing errors, but has not offered an alternative suspect. The charging document noted alleged inscriptions on the rifle’s ammunition, including the phrases “Hey Fascist! Catch!” and “If you Read This, You are GAY.”

The judge’s decision will determine whether the case proceeds to a full trial.