A five-day preliminary hearing to determine whether the case against Tyler James Robinson, accused of killing far-right activist Charlie Kirk, will advance to trial concluded on Friday. Final arguments are scheduled for September, after which US District Judge Tony Graf will rule on whether there is probable cause to proceed.
The hearing marked the first time Kirk's widow, Erika, and his parents were present in court with the defendant. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University on 10 September last year.
Prosecutors presented forensic evidence linking Robinson's DNA to the rifle believed used in the killing, video showing him entering the campus and climbing onto a rooftop, and an interview in which his former roommate, Lance Twiggs, recalled Robinson expressing remorse. Defence lawyers challenged the DNA testing's accuracy, seeking to cast doubt on its reliability.
A courtroom violation occurred on Thursday when media cameras briefly showed a communication between Robinson and Twiggs that was under a court order not to be displayed. Judge Graf allowed the camera to remain but prohibited it from recording evidence on Friday. He emphasised that compliance with court orders is essential and protecting the constitutional rights of the defendant and Kirk's widow is paramount.
Erika Kirk was permitted to view an unredacted version of surveillance footage allegedly showing Robinson on campus the day of the killing, though the footage was barred from courtroom cameras. The Kirk family released a statement calling the hearing's conclusion 'an important step forward in the pursuit of justice' and expressing gratitude for support.
The case will resume on 1 September for final arguments. Robinson has not entered a plea, and questions remain over whether he will plead guilty.
