Tyler Robinson, 23, of Utah, is accused in the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. File Photo/UPI | License Photo
A five-day preliminary hearing concluded Friday in Utah in the case of the man accused of killing conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
The case is expected to resume with final arguments Sept. 1. Then, it will be up to District Judge Tony Graf to decide whether prosecutors presented enough evidence against Tyler Robinson to go to trial.
Kirk, a prominent far-right activist, was shot in the neck on Sept. 10 while hosting a talk at Utah Valley University.
In court Friday, defense attorneys attempted to weaken the case against Robinson by questioning the strength of DNA evidence found on the rifle prosecutors say was used.
One forensic expert, Caitlin Oliver, of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, testified that DNA analysis can never be an absolute certainty.
But under questioning by the defense, Oliver concluded there was evidence that Robinson was a possible contributor.
Alongside DNA evidence, prosecutors have presented text messages and testimony from Robinson’s roommate and partner, who said the alleged shooter had confessed to killing Kirk.
Robinson, 23, has not entered a plea in the case, in which he is charged with aggravated murder.
Prosecutors in Provo, Utah, said they intend to seek the death penalty.
Charlie Kirk’s mother, Kathryn Kirk, and widow, Erika Kirk, attended the five-day hearing, breaking down in tears at times.
“As difficult as these last few days have been, it brings our family comfort to know that the world has witnessed the overwhelming evidence of what occurred to Charlie that day,” Kirk’s family said in a statement released to media outlets Friday.
“Nothing will ever undo the loss of our beloved Charlie,” the statement added. “As this case moves into its next phase, we pray that truth will continue to be heard through a process that is fair, transparent, and grounded in the facts.”
Charlie Kirk memorial service held in Arizona
Erika Kirk, widow of conservative political activist and media personality Charlie Kirk, speaks during his memorial service at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on September 21, 2025. Charlie Kirk was assassinated at Utah Valley University while speaking at an event on campus on September 10. Photo by Eduardo Barraza/UPI | License Photo
