PROVO, Utah, July 10, 2026 (UPI) — A five-day preliminary hearing concluded Friday in Provo in the case of the Washington County man accused of killing conservative commentator Charlie Kirk in Orem.
The case is expected to resume with final arguments Sept. 1. Then, it will be up to District Judge Tony Graf to decide whether prosecutors presented enough evidence against Tyler Robinson to go to trial.
Kirk, a prominent far-right activist, was shot in the neck on Sept. 10 while hosting a talk at Utah Valley University.
In court Friday, defense attorneys attempted to weaken the case against Robinson by questioning the strength of DNA evidence found on the rifle prosecutors say was used.
One forensic expert, Caitlin Oliver, of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, testified that DNA analysis can never be an absolute certainty.
But under questioning by the defense, Oliver concluded there was evidence that Robinson was a possible contributor.
Alongside DNA evidence, prosecutors have presented text messages and testimony from Robinson’s roommate and partner, who said the alleged shooter had confessed to killing Kirk.
Robinson, 23, has not entered a plea in the case, in which he is charged with aggravated murder.
Prosecutors in Provo have said they intend to seek the death penalty.
Charlie Kirk’s mother, Kathryn Kirk, and widow, Erika Kirk, attended the five-day hearing, breaking down in tears at times.
On Friday afternoon, the Kirk family released a statement:
“The conclusion of the preliminary hearing marks an important step forward in the pursuit of justice for Charlie.
“Our family is grateful for the prayers, support and kindness that has been extended to us, especially through these unimaginably painful and emotionally demanding proceedings.
“As difficult as these last few days have been, it brings our family comfort to know that the world has witnessed the overwhelming evidence of what occurred to Charlie that day.
“Nothing will ever undo the loss of our beloved Charlie. As this case moves into its next phase, we pray that truth will continue to be heard through a process that is fair, transparent, and grounded in the facts.” — Kirk Family
