A 23-year-old man, Tyler Robinson, is accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, during an event at Utah Valley University. Prosecutors will lay out their evidence against Robinson in a five-day preliminary hearing.
Background
Kirk was a top podcaster and ally of President Donald Trump. He led an effort to remake the Republican Party’s get-out-the-vote effort in the 2024 election.
A change.org petition was started ahead of Kirk’s visit to Utah Valley University, titled “Prevent Charlie Kirk from speaking at Utah Valley University.” The university released a statement affirming its “commitment to free speech, intellectual inquiry, and constructive dialogue.”
On the day of the event, school surveillance cameras captured the suspected shooter walking onto campus. Kirk was taking questions from an audience member when a shot rang out. Authorities say the shot came from a distant roof.
Robinson has not entered a plea. He is expected to appear in court this week for the preliminary hearing, which will be livestreamed.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
