Preliminary hearings in the trial of Tyler Robinson, a man accused of assassinating ultra-conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk in September 2025, began yesterday. Defense attorney Mark Eiglarsh told reporters that there is no chance the case will go to trial.

Robinson is charged with aggravated murder in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, while his organization Turning Point USA kicked off its tour at Utah Valley University. The accused turned himself in days later in the middle of a manhunt after his family confronted him about the surveillance photos police released.

Preliminary Hearing on Evidence

The preliminary hearings are expected to show the evidence to date in the case, although there were no big revelations on Monday. Prosecutors showed the court a new video in which the defendant is seen getting in and out of his vehicle on September 10 and 11.

On Monday, the state worked to convince Utah District Judge Tony Graf there is enough evidence to put Robinson on trial. The court heard from two of the four law enforcement witnesses. Former Utah Valley University Officer Christopher Bagley said they found an apparent “sniper pad” on the rooftop where Kirk was shot. 

Bagley testified he witnessed the shooting while he was on duty at the conservative rally. After Kirk had been shot, he searched a nearby rooftop and said it appeared someone was lying in wait until they could get a shot off. “It looks like a sniper pad,” Bagley said. “You’ve got markings of elbows, knees and feet.”

No Chance at Trial

Defense attorney Mark Eiglarsh told reporters that there is no chance the case will go to trial. “If they can avoid it, hell no,” Eiglarsh told NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo. 

“They run to the nearest sporting goods store, they get the thickest knee pads, they fall to their knees in front of the prosecutors, and they beg them to take death off the table.”

Cuomo questioned Eiglarsh about the prosecution rescinding the death penalty if Robinson were convicted. “The deal would include him waiving all of his appeals,” Eiglarsh replied, noting that all 12 jurors must agree, which does not even guarantee it.

“Let him live his life in prison,” he said. “That’ll be more difficult, or maybe they’ll kill him quicker there, or whatever their reasons are.”

Erika Kirk Reacts to Hearings

Prosecutors are currently seeking the death penalty for the 23-year-old. Robinson has yet to enter a plea in the case, and his attorneys have not commented. If he decides to plead guilty, a trial would be completely avoided.

Kirk’s parents, Kathryn and Robert, his widow, Erika Kirk, and Donald Trump Jr. were among those seated in the gallery during the five-day preliminary hearing. Robinson’s parents were also seated a few rows behind Kirk’s family.

Erika Kirk has been feeding off of her husband’s death since day one, even becoming the new owner of his organization Turning Point USA. She said at Kirk’s memorial service that she forgives the defendant, even though he has not been proven guilty or entered a plea of guilty.

Just before the hearing Monday, she said it is going to serve as a “painful reminder” of her husband’s death. “Every court proceeding serves as a painful reminder of his death,” she wrote, “and the loss that has irrevocably impacted our lives and the lives of his children.”

Testimony From Tyler Robinson’s Roommate

Prosecutors also intend to present DNA evidence that links Robinson to the suspect murder weapon, Kirk’s autopsy findings, and witness statements. Their plan of attack is to emphasize the danger that was thrust upon the community, not just the victim, arguing it is a crime punishable by death.

Robinson allegedly confessed to the crime in a note to his roommate, who was also his romantic partner. “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it,” it read.

The prosecution does not intend to call the roommate to testify in person but will use their recorded testimony.