'Devastating' evidence against Charlie Kirk murder suspect laid out in court

A preliminary hearing was held in Utah in the case against Tyler Robinson, 23, who is charged with killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University in September 2025. Prosecutors presented evidence including surveillance footage, forensic evidence, an alleged confession note, and testimony from Robinson's parents and his ex-roommate Lance Twiggs, and have said they intend to seek the death penalty. Judge Tony Graf Jr. presided over the hearing and is expected to rule in September on whether there is enough evidence to schedule a trial. Legal analysts said Robinson's defense, funded by the county, is contesting aspects of the case in hopes of pressuring prosecutors toward a plea deal, a process some estimated could cost taxpayers up to $10 million. Vice President JD Vance, a friend of Kirk's, said in an interview that the evidence against Robinson is compelling and that Robinson pulled the trigger, while saying he still wonders whether others were involved in radicalizing him, adding he has no evidence that anyone communicated with Robinson before the shooting.