Alleged text confession to be presented at hearing
The five-day preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, the 23-year-old charged with killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, begins Monday in Utah, where prosecutors are presenting evidence they say links Robinson to the killing. Robinson has not entered a plea.
Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, and his parents are expected to attend the hearing at Utah County District Court, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. The hearing is being livestreamed.
Robinson turned himself in after the Sept. 10 shooting at Utah Valley University, where Kirk was addressing a crowd of thousands. Prosecutors allege Robinson sent a text message confession to his partner and left a note saying he had an opportunity to kill one of the nation’s leading conservative voices and “I’m going to take it.”
Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was a top podcaster and ally of President Donald Trump. He led an effort to remake the Republican Party’s get-out-the-vote operation ahead of the 2024 election.
The judge presiding over the case will decide after the hearing whether the evidence is sufficient to proceed to trial. Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted.
Robinson’s attorneys have not commented on his guilt or innocence.