The final day of a weeklong preliminary hearing is underway Friday for Tyler Robinson, the 23-year-old man charged in connection with the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Prosecutors are working to demonstrate they have sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial.
Robinson faces an aggravated murder charge stemming from the September 10 shooting death of Kirk on the campus of Utah Valley University. Prosecutors are pursuing the death penalty in the case.
Defense attorneys are calling a final witness Friday as they attempt to undermine the prosecution’s evidence. Throughout the week, Robinson’s legal team has questioned the reliability of ballistics testing performed on a bullet fragment recovered from Kirk’s body. They have also challenged the release of a recorded interview with Robinson’s roommate, Lance Twiggs, along with chat room messages Robinson allegedly posted on the platform Discord.
Public interest in the hearing has been intense, with people lining up well before the courthouse opens — some even sleeping outside overnight — hoping to secure one of just 14 daily wristbands that grant access to a courtroom seat. The wristbands are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Court security director Chris Palmer issued a warning Thursday morning that tents and camping gear would not be permitted outside the courthouse on the final day of the hearing. He also cautioned against cutting in line or holding spots for others. Earlier in the week, security personnel discovered that some individuals had obtained colored wristbands in an attempt to gain unauthorized entry.
Defense attorney Michael Burt worked to raise questions about the ballistics analysis conducted on a bullet fragment found in Kirk’s body. Investigators had hoped to connect the fragment to the suspected murder weapon, but test results proved inconclusive. Samantha Karner of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives testified on the matter, stating: “Saying anything but inconclusive was inappropriate.”
Earlier in the week, the defense also challenged DNA evidence that investigators said placed Robinson at the scene of the shooting. Scientific experts maintained that DNA testing methodology is reliable.
Robinson’s legal team plans to have a second ATF representative take the stand Friday. The prosecution concluded its portion of the hearing Thursday afternoon.
Once testimony wraps up, State District Judge Tony Graf will determine whether prosecutors have presented enough evidence to send the case to trial — though that ruling will not come right away. Both sides have indicated they want to review the full court transcript and submit written legal briefs before Graf makes his decision. Oral arguments on the evidence from the preliminary hearing have been scheduled for September 1. Graf is known for taking time before issuing rulings.
