A preliminary hearing is underway for Tyler Robinson, the 23-year-old accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. Prosecutors are working to establish probable cause for a slew of charges, including aggravated murder, which carries the potential death penalty. A towel and screwdriver recovered during the investigation allegedly had Robinson's DNA on them, as well as that of his former lover and roommate, Lance Twiggs.
The investigation has uncovered significant evidence, including a surveillance video that allegedly shows Robinson making his way around campus before and after the shooting. The video also shows him coming and going in his Dodge Challenger. Additionally, a screwdriver was found near an alleged sniper's perch overlooking the TPUSA event, and a Mauser 98 bolt-action rifle wrapped in a dark-colored towel was discovered nearby. The rifle had been retrofitted to fire .30-06 rounds, consistent with the caliber of bullet fragments recovered during Kirk's autopsy.
Sgt. Jennifer Faumuina with the State Bureau of Investigations testified that her team recovered the screwdriver from the campus' Losee Center rooftop, where Robinson is alleged to have fired the shot that killed Kirk. Faumuina also stated that her team recovered the suspected murder weapon, and that both the towel and the screwdriver had DNA consistent with the same two males — Robinson and Twiggs. This evidence is expected to strengthen the case against Robinson, particularly given that Twiggs is cooperating with investigators and has not been charged with a crime.
FBI forensic analyst Amanda Bakker testified that Robinson is likely the majority donor in mixed DNA samples found on both the towel and the screwdriver. Twiggs is believed to be the minority contributor on both items. The defense's questioning of Bakker was lengthy and prompted objections from the prosecutor, who argued that the defense was going "beyond the scope of determining probable cause." The judge ultimately intervened, asking the defense to limit their line of questioning.
The hearing is expected to continue throughout the week, with prosecutors working to establish a strong case against Robinson. If they succeed in establishing probable cause, Robinson will be asked to enter a plea. Experts believe that it is likely the state will establish probable cause, given the significant evidence that has been uncovered during the investigation. The case has drawn significant attention, with Kirk's family and others watching the proceedings closely.
