SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A 23-year-old man accused of killing conservative commentator Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University is set to face his most significant court proceeding yet this week — a five-day preliminary hearing where prosecutors will present their evidence against him.
At the conclusion of that hearing, a judge will decide whether the case against Tyler Robinson moves forward to trial. If convicted, Robinson could face the death penalty.
Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, and his parents are expected to be present in the Utah courtroom, according to a source familiar with the matter who spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to comment publicly. The hearing will also be available via livestream.
Robinson has not entered a plea in the case.
Kirk was the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative organization focused on young people. He was also a prominent podcaster and a close ally of President Donald Trump, and he played a major role in reshaping the Republican Party’s voter turnout strategy during the 2024 election.
Below is a detailed account of the events leading up to Kirk’s appearance at Utah Valley University, the shooting itself, and the charges brought against Robinson. All times listed are local time.
Before Kirk’s scheduled appearance, a Change.org petition was created calling on the university to prevent him from speaking. In response, Utah Valley University issued a statement reaffirming its dedication to free speech, open inquiry, and meaningful dialogue.
At approximately 11:51 a.m., university surveillance cameras recorded the suspected shooter walking onto campus, according to charging documents.
At noon, Kirk began his event in the Fountain Courtyard at the university’s Orem Campus.
At approximately 12:20 p.m., while Kirk was fielding a question from an audience member on the topic of gun violence, a single shot was fired. Authorities say the shot originated from a rooftop at a distance from the event.
At 12:23 p.m., a Utah Valley University police officer was heard on a dispatch recording obtained through OpenMHz saying,
