Judge Tony Graf is set to determine whether the case against Tyler James Robinson, charged with murdering far-right activist Charlie Kirk, will proceed to trial, following the conclusion of a five-day preliminary hearing on Friday.
Hearing details and key evidence
The US district judge is expected to review evidence presented by the state and Robinson’s defense team over the coming weeks before issuing a ruling. This week’s proceedings marked the first time Kirk’s widow, Erika, and his parents were present in the courtroom with the man prosecutors allege killed Kirk last year.
Kirk, a prominent far-right political figure known for galvanizing young conservatives through his group Turning Point USA, was on tour at Utah Valley University on 10 September 2025 when he was shot in the neck during a marquee event. The court heard critical evidence, including forensic testing linking Robinson’s DNA to the firearm prosecutors say was used, as well as video footage allegedly showing him entering the campus and climbing onto a rooftop perch.
Testimony and defense strategy
Portions of an investigatory interview with Robinson’s former roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs, were played for the court. Twiggs recalled Robinson expressing remorse, saying he wished he “hadn’t done it” a day after Kirk’s death. Robinson’s defense attorneys sought to cast doubt on the accuracy of the DNA testing, though questions remain over whether he will enter a guilty plea.
Judge Graf reminded the defense to avoid delving into unnecessary details during witness questioning. “We don’t need to go 100 miles down a path where one mile is where probable cause may be. I invite you to refocus … I’m not trying to limit your theories or such but I need to hold to probable cause,” Graf said in court on Thursday.
