The State of Utah has concluded its presentation of evidence in the week-long preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, the 23-year-old man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
State District Judge Tony Graf Jr. is expected to rule by the end of the week on whether prosecutors have established enough probable cause to send the capital murder case to trial.
Robinson is charged with aggravated murder. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. He has not yet entered a plea.
The most significant development in the hearing came when prosecutors played a redacted investigative video and presented text messages from Robinson’s former roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs, who was granted immunity in exchange for his statements.
According to prosecutors, on September 10, 2025, the day Kirk was shot through the neck during an event at Utah Valley University, Robinson sent Twiggs an automated text message instructing him to look under his keyboard.
Beneath the keyboard, Twiggs found a handwritten note stating, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it.”
When Twiggs responded in shock and asked whether it was true, Robinson replied, “I am, I’m sorry.”
In the recorded interview, Twiggs told investigators that Robinson was pacing nervously and crying at their St. George apartment the day after the shooting. Twiggs said Robinson told him “he wishes he hadn’t done it” and discussed turning himself in.
Twiggs also told investigators that Robinson was highly politically active, often listened to political talk radio, and frequently discussed Donald Trump. However, Twiggs said Robinson had never specifically mentioned Kirk before the shooting.
Over the course of the multi-day hearing, prosecutors laid out the physical and surveillance evidence they say connects Robinson to the killing.
Forensic analysts testified that DNA found on a towel wrapped around the suspected murder weapon, a bolt-action rifle hidden in a wooded area on campus, strongly matched Robinson and Twiggs. Robinson’s defense attorneys challenged the findings during cross-examination, pressing an FBI analyst on the reliability of the DNA evidence.
Prosecutors also introduced surveillance footage that they said showed Robinson walking through a wooded area on campus twice. Additional footage tracked him changing clothes, walking with a limp, and accessing the roof of the Losee building.
Police later discovered what was described as a prone “sniper pad” impression in the gravel on the roof, overlooking the stage where Kirk was speaking.
Prosecutors displayed photos of the recovered rifle and ammunition, including bullets engraved with the word “fascist.”
Robinson’s defense team, led by attorney Kathryn Nester, aggressively cross-examined state witnesses and pointed to several issues they argued raised questions about the investigation.
A former campus officer acknowledged that his body camera battery died while he was investigating the rooftop. Lead investigators admitted that no shell casings were found on the roof. Defense attorneys also noted that at least two other firearms were discovered elsewhere at the crime scene on the day of the shooting.
The defense also argued that investigators failed to interview two witnesses who claimed to have video of a different individual on the roof whose build did not match Robinson’s.
The high-profile hearing has unfolded under intense security in Provo, Utah.
Kirk’s parents and widow, Erika Kirk, have been present in the courtroom gallery each day and were visibly emotional as footage of the shooting was shown and Robinson’s alleged text messages were read aloud.
High-profile political figures, including Sen. Mike Lee and Donald Trump Jr., also attended in support of the Kirk family.
Judge Graf’s ruling on whether the case will move forward to trial is expected imminently.
Death by Firing Squad .
Use the same “ grandpa’s “ rifle that he shot Charlie Kirk with .
Wouldn’t THAT be Justice !