Key facts
- Prosecutors in Utah will seek the death penalty for Tyler Robinson, accused of murdering Charlie Kirk.
- A five-day preliminary hearing will determine if there is sufficient evidence for Robinson to stand trial.
- Evidence to be presented includes DNA, witness statements, and autopsy findings.
- Robinson allegedly confessed to the killing in a note and text message.
- Charlie Kirk was the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA and an ally of President Donald Trump.
Prosecutors in Utah are seeking the death penalty for Tyler Robinson, who is accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk. A five-day preliminary hearing is scheduled to begin this week, during which prosecutors will present evidence to a judge to argue that Robinson should stand trial for murder. Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was a prominent conservative activist and ally of President Donald Trump. He was shot and killed on Sept. 10, 2023, during an event at Utah Valley University. Surveillance footage showed the suspected shooter on campus shortly before the event, and Kirk was shot around 12:20 p.m. while taking questions from the audience. Authorities initially reported the suspect was in custody but later released an individual before identifying Robinson. Text messages released by authorities indicate Robinson confessed to the shooting, stating he had the opportunity to take out Kirk. DNA evidence found on a towel wrapped around a rifle near the scene reportedly matched Robinson. He surrendered to authorities on Sept. 11 with his parents and was subsequently charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and obstruction of justice, with the possibility of the death penalty.