A Republican senator who attended preliminary hearings in the Charlie Kirk murder case says prosecutors presented overwhelming confession evidence against the accused killer.
Sen. Mike Lee of Utah attended Thursday’s hearing in the case against Tyler Robinson, who is charged with fatally shooting Kirk, the Turning Point USA founder, on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University. Robinson faces potential capital punishment if convicted, as prosecutors are pursuing the death penalty.
What the Senator Witnessed
Lee said Judge Tony Graf Jr. admitted evidence he characterized as “absolutely compelling” and “damning” against Robinson. “That evidence, the evidence admitted today, is absolutely compelling. It’s damning,” Lee said in a video posted to X.
According to Lee, the evidence included multiple confessions by Robinson acknowledging he killed Kirk and had planned the murder in advance. “And acknowledging at one point that he was motivated by hate,” Lee, a former federal prosecutor, noted.
Lee said Judge Graf carefully reviewed the evidence before ruling it admissible. “So he admitted this on multiple occasions in multiple ways. So it’s difficult to imagine how this results in anything other than a conviction,” Lee continued.
Key Witness Testimony
Prosecutors presented recorded testimony from Lance Twiggs, Robinson’s former partner, during Thursday’s hearing. According to Twiggs, Robinson left their shared St. George, Utah apartment unusually early on September 10, stating he had a long electrician job ahead.
Twiggs testified that Robinson contacted him late that evening with a text instructing him to check under his keyboard. A note there read: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”
Additional text messages from Robinson referenced targeting Kirk because he “had enough of his hatred” and stated that “some hate can’t be negotiated out,” according to the testimony.
The Case Progress
Preliminary hearings in Robinson’s case continued Thursday as both prosecution and defense presented motions and evidence. The hearing included witness testimony alongside the confession evidence that Lee said heavily favors the state’s case.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Legal Affairs Desk contributed to this report.
