Judge, defense lawyers telegraph next major developments in Charlie Kirk assassination trial

Utah Fourth District Court Judge Tony Graf and the defense attorneys for Tyler Robinson, the alleged assassin of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, established the next major developments in the murder trial against the suspect.

Kathryn Nester, the lead defense attorney, requested that a preliminary hearing be set within 30 to 60 days, which allows a judge to determine if there is enough evidence against Robinson to proceed with the trial. The prosecution and defense agreed to the judge’s suggestion to set the next hearing for Oct. 30 at 10 a.m. Mountain time (MDT).

Robinson appeared at the briefing virtually but is expected to arrive at the next scheduled hearing in person.

“As we are at the beginning of this case, it is my intent to only speak when I am needed or when it is necessary. But today, I do wish to provide guidance and expectations that you can have for this court and wish to enter an order as well,” Graf said. “As this case moves forward, Mr. Robinson’s constitutional rights will be protected at every stage. He sits before this court presumed innocent, and that presumption remains unless and until each element of every offense charged against him is proved beyond a reasonable doubt.”

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Graf further said that Robinson will be allowed to appear in person to “fully engage with his attorneys.” He also vowed that he will not “put [his] finger on the scale of justice.”

Robinson is charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, witness tampering and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child. He allegedly climbed onto a rooftop and shot Kirk in the neck using a Mauser Model 98 .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle during an event on Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University.

Following a two-day manhunt, the alleged assassin’s parents confronted Robinson after they recognized him in the surveillance photographs released by the FBI in Salt Lake City. After Robinson confessed to the murder, his father called a youth pastor who previously worked as a law enforcement officer, who in turn called Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby.

Since Robinson was afraid of being shot by police, Brooksby’s office agreed to a “peaceful” surrender as a condition for Robinson turning himself in, Brooksby said during a Sept. 18 press conference. His parents, the pastor and Robinson then arrived at Brooksby’s office and waited for federal agents to arrive.

The suspect’s parents told authorities that Robinson had been more political in recent years, particularly becoming “more pro-gay and trans-rights oriented.” Robinson lived with his transgender boyfriend, Lance Twiggs, who reportedly “hates conservatives and Christians,” according to the New York Post.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Robinson, Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Gray said on Sept. 16.

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