Full Breakdown
Preliminary Hearing Unveils New Evidence in Charlie Kirk Assassination
7/10/2026, 4:05:50 PM
The Assassination and Preliminary Hearing
On 10 September 2025, right-wing activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead from a rooftop while speaking at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. The alleged shooter, 23-year-old Tyler Robinson, turned himself in the following day and has been held on a five-day preliminary hearing beginning 26 July 2026. The hearing featured a police interview video of Robinson’s former roommate and trans lover, Lance Twiggs, in which Twiggs recounts a handwritten confession note left by Robinson and details of the rifle’s disposal.
Background to the Killing
Prosecutors allege Robinson acted because Kirk’s conservative views “spread too much hate.” Investigators recovered a bolt-action rifle wrapped in a dark towel near the shooting site, along with bullet casings engraved with messages such as “Hey fascist! Catch!” and a reference to the furry subculture. The case is being pursued as aggravated murder, with the possibility of the death penalty.
Key Individuals
- Charlie Kirk – Founder of Turning Point USA, killed 10 September 2025.
- Tyler Robinson – Accused assassin, charged with aggravated murder, felony firearm use, witness tampering, obstruction of justice, and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child.
- Lance Twiggs – Robinson’s roommate and trans lover, who provided a confession note and DNA evidence; granted limited immunity.
- Judge Tony Graf – Utah State District Judge overseeing the preliminary hearing, approved partial release of Twiggs’s interview.
- Erika Kirk – Widow of Charlie Kirk, who filed a legal challenge demanding full video disclosure.
- Jeff Gray – Utah County Attorney, who announced prosecutors will seek the death penalty.
Timeline of Key Developments
- 10 Sept 2025 – Kirk shot during UVU event.
- 11 Sept 2025 – Rifle and engraved casings discovered; Robinson turns himself in.
- 12 Sept 2025 – Robinson’s arrest announced; President Donald Trump confirms Kirk’s death on Truth Social.
- 16 Sept 2025 – Formal charges filed; prosecutors indicate intent to pursue capital punishment.
- 21 Sept 2025 – Erika Kirk publicly forgives Robinson at his memorial service.
- Feb 2026 – Twiggs located in Texas after five months in hiding.
- 26 July 2026 – Preliminary hearing begins; Twiggs’s interview video shown with 15-minute redaction.
Evidence and Forensic Findings
DNA testing matched both Robinson’s and Twiggs’s DNA to a towel wrapped around the recovered rifle. Text messages retrieved by Twiggs show Robinson discussing a “hunting trip,” bullet engraving, and plans to retrieve the weapon without leaving evidence. The confession note, found under a keyboard, reads: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”
Official Statements & Responses
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said prosecutors will seek the death penalty, emphasizing the seriousness of the aggravated murder charge. Judge Graf allowed limited portions of Twiggs’s interview to be admitted, citing concerns about potential juror influence.
Criticism & Opposition
Erika Kirk’s lawyer Jeffrey Neiman condemned the redaction, arguing that lack of transparency “will create doubt and distrust in the judicial system.” Advocacy groups for transgender rights have also expressed concern over the portrayal of Twiggs’s gender identity in media coverage.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it.” — Handwritten note, Robinson
- “'To not be transparent here, to not be open, to not let the world see what happened, will create doubt and distrust in the judicial system,' Erika Kirk's lawyer Jeffrey Neiman said in the filing after making the same argument in court.” — Jeffrey Neiman, attorney for Erika Kirk
- “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie.” — Donald Trump Jr.
- “I do not take this decision lightly.” — Jeff Gray, Utah County Attorney
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The redacted 15-minute segment of Twiggs’s interview has not been disclosed, leaving uncertainty about additional statements that could affect the narrative. Additionally, while prosecutors cite hate-motivated intent, no direct public statements from Robinson outlining his political motive have been released.
What’s Next
The preliminary hearing will continue through early August 2026, after which Judge Graf will decide whether Robinson will stand trial on the listed charges and whether the death penalty will be pursued.
