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Utah Judge Advances Preliminary Hearing in Charlie Kirk Assassination Case
A preliminary hearing in Provo, Utah, is examining the evidence that prosecutors say links 23‑year‑old Tyler Robinson to the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University. The state has presented video footage that purportedly shows Robinson moving across the campus, climbing onto a rooftop and firing a shot from a sniper’s position. Judge Tony Graf has allowed portions of the video and a recorded interview with Robinson’s former roommate, Lance Twiggs, to be shown in court, while ordering certain segments to be edited out. Defense attorneys have objected, arguing the material could prejudice a future jury and have contested the reliability of DNA evidence that ties Robinson to a towel wrapped around the suspected rifle. The prosecution seeks aggravated murder charges and the death penalty. Kirk’s widow Erika, his parents, and friends including Donald Trump Jr. were present in the courtroom; they left before graphic video was shown. The hearing, expected to run through the week, will determine whether there is probable cause to move the case to trial.