Tyler Robinson, 23, accused of assassinating Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University last year, is scheduled for a week-long preliminary hearing in Provo, Utah. The hearing will determine whether prosecutors have sufficient evidence to advance the case toward trial.

Unlike many cases where grand jury indictments are secured behind closed doors, Robinson was charged by information, requiring prosecutors to establish probable cause in a public preliminary hearing. The burden of proof at this stage is lower than at trial.

Prosecutors plan to present DNA evidence found on the murder weapon, alleged text message confessions, and Discord communications. Robinson is accused of sending texts to his lover, Lance Twiggs, about retrieving the rifle used in the shooting. Law enforcement sources indicate Robinson may have encountered an officer near the perimeter during the incident.

Further allegations include that Robinson targeted Kirk due to his political views, attempted to conceal the rifle and clothing worn during the shooting, and urged Twiggs to delete incriminating messages, destroy a note, and remain silent if questioned by police.

The parents and widow of Charlie Kirk are reportedly expected to attend the hearing. Robinson has appeared previously in Fourth District Court in Provo.

Quotes attributed to Robinson include, "Shouldn't be long until I can come home, but I gotta grab my rifle still," and "Stuck in Orem for a little while longer yet."

Sources