Tyler Robinson, 23, of Utah, is pictured in his mugshot on Sept. 12. According to law enforcement, Robinson confessed to his father that he had shot conservative influencer Charlie Kirk on Sept. 10, during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. File Photo/UPI | License Photo
Tyler Robinson is in court in Utah on Monday to start a five-day preliminary hearing in his trial over the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
The prosecuting team from the Utah County Attorney’s Office will share pieces of their case during the preliminary hearing, including a segment of a taped interview with Robinson’s roommate.
The hearing marks the first time that Robinson will be in the room with members of Kirk’s family, including his parents and wife Erika.
Kirk’s family shared a joint statement ahead of the preliminary hearing.
“Charlie was a beloved husband, son, brother, friend, and father,” the statement reads. “Every court proceeding serves as a painful reminder of his death and the loss that has irrevocably impacted our lives and the lives of his children. We remain deeply grateful for the support, prayers, and kindness we have received. This outpouring has sustained us during the darkest days of our lives.”
Kirk was killed by gunfire during an event hosted by his organization Turning Point USA at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025. Robinson, 23, stands accused of aggravated murder.
Utah is one of 27 states with the death penalty.
Residing over the hearing is District Judge Tony Graf, who will use the hearing to determine whether the trial of Robinson can move forward.
Graf has pushed back on media access in the trial but the media and members of the public will be allowed to attend the preliminary hearing.
This week in Washington
News anchors are seen outside the Supreme Court of the United States as the court releases their final opinions before summer recess on Tuesday. The court upheld birthright citizenship and also state laws banning transgender women and girls from playing on school athletic teams. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo
