The preliminary hearing for Charlie Kirk‘s suspected assassin, Tyler Robinson, is set to begin Monday, with prosecutors pushing for Robinson to be tried for Kirk’s murder as the family of the late conservative activist sits in the courtroom.
The hearing is a preliminary measure where the prosecutors will bring evidence forward to make their argument that the case should head to a jury trial for murder. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Robinson, as he faces seven felony charges related to his suspected crime.
Kirk was assassinated on Sept. 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, while speaking at the campus’s stop on his “American Comeback” tour, sending shockwaves through the American political sphere. The Turning Point USA founder was a crucial figure on the right, especially among conservative youth, and a close ally of President Donald Trump.
Robinson turned himself in to police and law enforcement officials in Utah following the shooting, but has not yet entered any plea in the case. The defense team has not commented on Robinson’s plea, but it has made efforts to free Robinson from a potential death sentence, according to Spectrum News and the Associated Press.
Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, has taken over her late husband’s role of leading Turning Point USA after his assassination, assuming the role of CEO a week after his death. She has hosted several events to continue her husband’s legacy, including his funeral in Arizona, TPUSA’s AmericaFest, and several campus events, while mourning his death.
This week’s preliminary hearing marks the first time Erika Kirk will appear in the same room as Robinson, the man accused of killing her husband. Erika Kirk and Charlie Kirk’s parents will attend the hearing, according to the Associated Press. These parents and Charlie Kirk’s sister, Mary Kirk, released a statement on Monday morning ahead of the trial.
“Charlie was a beloved husband, son, brother, friend, and father. Every court proceeding serves as a painful reminder of his death and the loss that has irrevocably impacted our lives and the lives of his children,” the statement reads. “We remain deeply grateful for the support, prayers, and kindness we have received. This outpouring has sustained us during the darkest days of our lives.”
“Out of respect for the judicial process, we will not be commenting further at this time,” it continued. “We ask for continued privacy as we navigate this process and immense grief.”
Robinson faces charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, committing a violent offense in the presence of a child, two counts of obstruction of justice, and two counts of witness tampering.
Prosecutors will present a series of evidence, including video footage of the shooting and witness testimony, to support their belief that the case should head to a trial.
JUDGE DENIES TYLER ROBINSON SECRECY REQUEST AND ORDERS HEARING ON PROSECUTORS’ STATEMENTS
According to ABC4 Utah, the preliminary trial witnesses will include a Utah Valley University police officer, Robinson’s former roommate, Lance Twiggs, and several Utah State Bureau of Investigation agents. Twiggs’s testimony will be a recorded interview, not a live appearance, due to logistical hurdles posed by an out-of-state subpoena.
The preliminary hearing will last for five days and be streamed live, with Utah District Judge Tony Graf deciding whether the case should proceed to a jury trial.