A five-day preliminary hearing begins Monday for the man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk, as prosecutors seek to move the case to trial and pursue the death penalty.
Kirk’s widow, Erika, along with his parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk, are expected to attend the hearing, marking the first time they will be in the courtroom with the defendant, 23-year-old Tyler Robinson. The proceedings will be livestreamed.
Robinson is charged with aggravated murder in the September 10 shooting of Kirk while he addressed a crowd of thousands at Utah Valley University. He has not yet entered a plea.
Prosecutors allege Robinson later turned himself in after confessing to his partner by text message and leaving a note stating, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”
They also allege Robinson texted, “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
During the hearing, prosecutors are expected to present DNA evidence allegedly linking Robinson to the rifle used in the shooting, witness testimony, autopsy findings, surveillance evidence, and video from the attack.
Authorities say DNA consistent with Robinson’s was found on the rifle’s trigger, fired shell casing, unfired rounds, and a towel used to wrap the weapon.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, arguing the shooting endangered the thousands of people gathered at the event, meeting Utah’s legal standard for capital punishment.
Legal experts say prosecutors need only establish probable cause that Robinson committed the crime for the case to proceed to trial—a much lower standard than proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The killing drew widespread condemnation from conservatives nationwide. President Donald Trump commented following Robinson’s arrest, saying, “I hope he gets the death penalty.”
Following Kirk’s death, his widow assumed leadership of Turning Point USA, the conservative organization he co-founded. During her husband’s memorial service, she publicly forgave Robinson.
(AP)
