Utah prosecutors announced plans to seek the death penalty against Tyler James Robinson during a preliminary hearing that began Monday at the 4th District Court in Provo.
Robinson is accused of the September 2025 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Chief Deputy Utah County Attorney Chad Gruander informed Judge Tony Graf that the state has a mountain of evidence, including 40 to 50 exhibits and testimony from four law enforcement witnesses.
Robinson faces charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child.
The five-day hearing will determine if sufficient probable cause exists to advance the case to a full criminal trial.
Notable attendees in the gallery included Kirk's widow Erika Kirk, his parents Robert and Kathryn Kirk, and family friend Donald Trump Jr.
"Charlie was a beloved husband, son, brother, friend, and father," the Kirk family said in a statement.
The family expressed the deep emotional toll the legal proceedings have taken on them since the tragedy at Utah Valley University.
"Every court proceeding serves as a painful reminder of his death and the loss that has irrevocably impacted our lives and the lives of his children," the family said.
They acknowledged widespread community support that has helped them cope with their grief.
"We remain deeply grateful for the support, prayers, and kindness we have received. This outpouring has sustained us during the darkest days of our lives," the family said.
The relatives requested privacy as Judge Graf weighs the evidence to decide on the trial and death penalty eligibility.
"We ask for continued privacy as we navigate this process and immense grief," the family said.
According to court documents, investigators discovered written statements and electronic messages detailing the suspect's alleged premeditation before the outdoor rally shooting.
"I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I'm going to take it," Robinson wrote in a note left for his roommate.
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray stated that the suspect sent instructions to his boyfriend via text message on the morning of the assassination.
"Drop what you are doing, look under my keyboard," Robinson wrote.
The roommate found a handwritten letter hidden beneath the keyboard after receiving the mobile alert, according to police records.
"If you are reading this per my text, then I am so sorry.
I left the house this morning on a mission, and set an auto text," Robinson wrote.
Gray added that another text message detailed the ideological motive behind the rooftop sniper attack.
"I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out," Robinson wrote.
