In a solemn courtroom in Provo today, the family of slain conservative icon Charlie Kirk comes face-to-face with the accused assassin who allegedly cut his life short last September.

Tyler Robinson, the 23-year-old charged with the cold-blooded murder of Kirk at Utah Valley University last September, is due in Fourth Judicial District Court for the start of a weeklong preliminary hearing.

Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, and his parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk, are expected to attend.

This will mark the first time they will sit in the same room as the man prosecutors say executed a politically motivated hit on a prominent voice for conservatism.

This hearing is no mere formality.

Prosecutors must present enough evidence to establish probable cause that Robinson committed aggravated murder—and they have signaled they intend to lay out a damning case that leaves little doubt.

If successful, as nearly everyone following the case expects, the proceedings will advance toward a full trial where Robinson could face the death penalty.

For conservatives who watched Kirk inspire a generation of young Americans through Turning Point USA, this week represents not just legal accountability but also a stand against the rising tide of political violence that has no place in our republic.

On September 10, 2025, while addressing a crowd of thousands during his “American Comeback Tour” at UVU in Orem, Utah, a single rifle shot struck him in the neck.

The 31-year-old husband and father of two collapsed as chaos erupted. Videos of the assassination spread rapidly online, shocking the nation and highlighting the vulnerability of public figures who dare to challenge the radical left.

Robinson, from southwestern Utah, allegedly planned the attack for just over a week.

Prosecutors say he positioned himself on or near a rooftop, fired the fatal shot with a Mauser bolt-action rifle, and fled.

He later turned himself in at the urging of his own father, a law enforcement veteran.

Evidence includes DNA consistent with Robinson’s found on the rifle’s trigger, fired casing, unfired cartridges, and a towel used to wrap the weapon.

Forensic links, surveillance, witness statements, and autopsy results are all expected this week.

Most chilling are the alleged confessions.

Court documents describe a note left for his then-romantic partner, Lance Twiggs: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it.”

In texts, Robinson reportedly admitted the act, telling Twiggs he had “enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”

He reportedly told family members that Kirk spread “too much hate” and “too much evil.”

Prosecutors argue the attack wasn’t random violence – it was targeted hatred against a conservative leader who built a movement celebrating liberty, not division.

Robinson’s attorneys have sought procedural delays, challenged the use of cameras in court (denied by the judge and upheld), and contested hearsay evidence—including Twiggs’ statements—but Judge Tony Graf has kept the process moving.

The preliminary hearing allows hearsay, meaning prosecutors can present recorded statements and reports without full trial rigor.

Expect testimony from investigators, ballistics experts, and others tying Robinson directly to the scene.

The court may show videos of the shooting itself, a raw moment for Kirk’s family.

Erika Kirk, who has taken the helm at Turning Point USA and spoken movingly of forgiveness rooted in her Christian faith, has advocated for public access to proceedings.

She and Charlie’s parents will attend as a “unified support system.”

Security is tight in Provo, with expectations of intense measures for what could be an emotionally charged week.

The hearing runs roughly five days, previewing the full trial.

Prosecutors aim to show overwhelming probable cause; the defense will cross-examine but need not yet mount a full case.

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