New testimony in the murder case of conservative activist Charlie Kirk could prove devastating for the defense.
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), who attended Thursday’s preliminary hearing in person, said the court admitted what he described as “absolutely compelling” and “damning” evidence showing that Tyler Robinson repeatedly confessed to killing Kirk.
According to Lee, the evidence includes multiple admissions made by Robinson through text messages and in conversations with an acquaintance. Lee said the alleged confessions not only acknowledged the killing but also indicated it had been planned in advance and was motivated by hatred.
“I was in the courtroom today… the evidence admitted today is absolutely compelling. It’s damning,” Lee said. “It contains multiple confessions by the defendant… acknowledging not only that he killed Charlie Kirk, but acknowledging that he did so having planned it in advance in great detail.”
Lee praised Utah State District Judge Tony Graf for carefully reviewing the evidence before allowing it to be admitted, saying the judge took a deliberate and thorough approach throughout the hearing.
“So he admitted this on multiple occasions in multiple ways,” Lee said. “It’s difficult to imagine how this results in anything other than a conviction.”
Robinson is charged with the September 10, 2025, assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot on the campus of Utah Valley University during a public debate event.
The preliminary hearing is continuing as prosecutors work to show there is sufficient evidence to send the case to trial. If Robinson is convicted, prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
With alleged confessions now part of the court record, Thursday’s hearing marked one of the most significant developments in the case to date.