Provo, Utah – On Tuesday, the Utah District Court in Provo heard the second preliminary hearing in the murder case of Turning Point USA co‑founder Charlie Kirk. The hearing was marked by visible emotion from both families as Judge Tony Graf confirmed there is sufficient probable cause for a trial on all seven counts, including aggravated murder.
Families react to the ruling
Kirk’s parents, Rob and Kathryn, and his widow, Erika, sat close together, often wiping tears and offering each other comfort while the judge recounted the events of the September 10, 2025 shooting at Utah Valley University. Across the aisle, Amber Robinson, mother of the accused, Tyler Robinson, was also in tears as the prosecution described the alleged motive and the deadly rifle fire.
Robinson, 23, entered a plea of not guilty during the arraignment. Prosecutors have indicated they will seek the death penalty if he is convicted of aggravated murder.
Prosecution’s case
Deputy Utah County Attorney Ryan McBride argued that Robinson fired a high‑power rifle into a crowd of more than 3,000 people, deliberately targeting Kirk because he “disagreed with him.” McBride said Robinson had scouted the venue, changed into a black shirt to conceal his weapon, and positioned himself about 415 feet from the stage before opening fire. The bullet, according to the medical examiner’s report, struck Kirk’s spine and shattered it.
Defense response
Defense attorney Staci Visser challenged the aggravating circumstance of “risk of death,” asserting there was no evidence that anyone else was threatened. She argued the state’s evidence relied on speculation and that the prosecution was drawing improper inferences from the texts Robinson sent to his former roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs.
Richard Novak, another defense lawyer, highlighted those texts – which include an apology – as key evidence the state will use to establish motive.
Next steps
The judge set the next court date for October 23, when a trial date will be scheduled. Both families expressed a mixture of sorrow and resolve, with the Kirk family noting the ruling as an “important step in our family’s pursuit of justice.”
The case continues to draw national attention, reflecting the deep divisions over political discourse and violence on college campuses.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
