Utah Court Weighs Evidence in Charlie Kirk Murder Case

The case of the 22-year-old accused of killing conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk is already shaping up to be one of the biggest legal showdowns of the year. On Monday, a Utah judge heard from the defense team, who asked for more time to sift through what they say is a mountain of digital evidence.

“It’s my understanding there is going to be massive amounts of digital [evidence] that is going to be coming,” attorney Kathryn Nester told the court, representing Tyler Robinson.

Prosecutors have charged Robinson with aggravated murder and say they will pursue the death penalty. A preliminary hearing will decide if there’s enough evidence to take the case to trial. The proceedings are happening in Provo, Utah — just a short drive from Utah Valley University in Orem, where students are still reeling from the September 10 shooting and the manhunt that followed.

Robinson turned himself in at a sheriff’s office in his hometown, more than three hours away from the crime scene, after showing up with his parents. Prosecutors say they have DNA, text messages, and even a note Robinson allegedly left for his partner beforehand. In it, he reportedly wrote that he had the chance to kill one of America’s most prominent conservative voices “and I’m going to take it.” Prosecutors also say Robinson texted his partner about Kirk: “I had enough of his hatred.”

The assassination has shaken the Republican base. Kirk — a Trump ally and head of Turning Point USA — was credited with pulling a new generation of evangelical Christians into conservative politics. Former President Donald Trump called him a “martyr” for freedom and vowed to crack down on what he labeled the “radical left.”

The fallout has been intense: workers across the country have been disciplined or fired for comments about Kirk’s death, including TV host Jimmy Kimmel, whose show was briefly suspended before being reinstated. Meanwhile, Turning Point USA is pressing ahead with its schedule, with Utah Governor Spencer Cox and Senator Mike Lee filling in at upcoming events.

Judge Tony Graf, presiding over Monday’s hearing, reminded both sides that the case will be closely watched.

“Mr Robinson’s constitutional rights will be protected at every stage” as well as those of the victims, he said. “We must fulfil our roles with integrity, civility and diligence. I encourage each of you to give your very best to this case. Neither Mr Robinson or the people of Utah deserve anything less than the fair and impartial administration of justice.”

The next court date is set for October 30.