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Donald Trump Jr. has spoken publicly after attending a courtroom hearing in the case against Tyler Robinson, the man accused of murdering Charlie Kirk.
The 48-year-old was in court this week as prosecutors laid out previously unsealed evidence during the preliminary hearing for the 23-year-old Utah man accused of fatally shooting Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.
Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder and could face the death penalty if convicted.
He has not yet entered a plea.
The preliminary hearing will determine whether prosecutors have presented enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
Speaking on Jesse Watters Primetime after the hearing, Trump Jr., who was a longtime friend of Kirk and frequently appeared alongside him at Turning Point USA events, said the evidence shown in court changed public perception of the case.
"Based on everything that I saw in that courtroom, it's very clear to me that Tyler Robinson did this," he said.
Trump Jr. pointed to several pieces of evidence introduced by prosecutors, including DNA evidence and text messages allegedly sent by Robinson after the shooting.
According to prosecutors, Robinson allegedly admitted responsibility in messages to his roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs, writing that he had "had enough of his hatred".
The businessman said the combination of forensic evidence and Robinson's surrender to police left little room for doubt.
"This stuff is very cut-and-dry at this point," he said. "The DNA evidence, the fact that he turned himself in, to me, it puts so much of this at rest."
During the hearing, prosecutors also showed images of the alleged bolt-action rifle, along with engraved bullets and cartridges investigators say are connected to the case.
Prosecutors have said inscriptions on ammunition recovered at the scene included "If you read this, you are gay" and "Hey fascist! Catch!"
Investigators also recovered a cartridge engraved with "Test Shot" from the home Robinson shared with Twiggs.
One of the key moments of the hearing came when prosecutors played an interview with Twiggs, who described Robinson's actions after the shooting.
Twiggs claimed that Robinson returned to their apartment the following day and confirmed what he had already admitted through text messages.
"I just asked him in person if what he said was true the night before and he said it was. He started crying a little bit and said he wishes he hadn't done it and then kept going around and just doing stuff, I think to keep himself busy or distracted or something," Twiggs testified.
Court records also show Robinson allegedly texted Twiggs shortly after the shooting, instructing him to "drop what you're doing" and "look under your keyboard".
In a note addressed to Twiggs as "Luna," Robinson allegedly wrote: "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it.
"I wish we could have lived in a world where this was not necessary."
The note ended: "Please try and find joy in this life. I love you always, Tyler."
When Twiggs replied: "You weren't the one who did it, right?"
"I am," Robinson allegedly responded. "I'm sorry."
When asked why he had done it, Robinson allegedly wrote that he'd "had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out."
Prosecutors said Robinson continued sending messages while still near Utah Valley University.
He allegedly told Twiggs he had hidden the rifle in nearby bushes after changing clothes and wrote: "If I'm able to grab my rifle unseen, I will have left no evidence."
Prosecutors also allege the suspect later complained that crickets were making too much noise, and believed a sniffer dog may have located the weapon.
He reportedly texted: "I'm just sitting in my car watching reels for another hour," before saying he was leaving Orem and returning to the apartment he shared with Twiggs in St. George.
Trump Jr. has also questioned the security arrangements at the campus event where Kirk was killed.
He noted that only six police officers were reportedly assigned to the event, despite having attended many Turning Point USA appearances alongside the late right-wing influencer over the years.
"These are big events," he said. "I've done a hundred of them with Charlie Kirk on college campuses all over the place. That there wasn't an all-hands-on-deck kind of operation to prevent this very thing from happening is truly scary."
Trump Jr. said public opinion had shifted since prosecutors unveiled the new evidence, claiming it had gone from being "50-50" to "90-10" in terms of people believing Robinson was responsible.
He also dismissed conspiracy theories surrounding Kirk's death, but has acknowledged why some people had initially been skeptical because of the speed with which the case unfolded publicly.
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The man accused of killing Charlie Kirk has been identified as Tyler Robinson, and his mugshot has been released.
The 22-year-old was named as the 31-year-old conservative activist's alleged killer.
The release of his mugshot comes after President Donald Trump confirmed that he was now in custody nearly two days after the assassination.
Trump stated, "I think, with a high degree of certainty, we have him."
The announcement came after Trump spoke on Fox News, revealing that someone close to the suspect had turned him in.
Trump added that Robinson’s father reportedly drove him to a police station, where he was handed over to authorities.
Trump further commented, "I hope he’s going to be found guilty and I hope he gets the death penalty for what he did."
He described Kirk as "the finest person" who did not deserve to be killed. The president also stated, "Everybody liked him," emphasizing the impact Kirk had made in the conservative community.
The shooting occurred on September 10, 2025, while Kirk was addressing a group of college students at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
During a Q&A session, Kirk was struck in the neck by a single shot. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Following the shooting, law enforcement officials detained two individuals, but both were released after being questioned.
Authorities later shared images and video footage of Robinson fleeing the scene after the shooting. A reward of $100,000 was offered for information leading to the suspect’s capture.
In a follow-up statement, Trump speculated about whether the suspect was part of a larger network, saying, “Seems to be. Well, you don’t know, I mean, you don’t know.”
The investigation continues to uncover further details about the shooting.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox has announced that the state will be pursuing the death penalty in this case, should Robinson be found guilty.
Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was known for his prominent role in engaging conservative youth across the country. His death has sparked widespread outrage and grief among his followers and political allies.
Kirk’s body was transported back to his home state of Arizona on Air Force Two, with Vice President and close friend JD Vance accompanying him.
President Trump has also stated that he plans to attend the funeral of his late ally.
President Donald Trump has confirmed that the suspect in the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk is in custody.
The suspect has now been identified as Tyler Robinson, who is believed to be 22 years old and a local from Utah.
Confirming that he was now in custody, Trump stated on Friday, "I think, with a high degree of certainty, we have him."
The announcement came as Trump spoke on Fox News, revealing that someone close to the suspect had turned him in.
Trump added that Robinson’s father reportedly drove him to a police station, where he was handed over to authorities.
Trump further commented, "I hope he’s going to be found guilty and I hope he gets the death penalty for what he did."
In a press conference held by the FBI on Friday, further details about the suspect were revealed.
Robinson’s father recognized him in the photographs released by law enforcement and encouraged him to turn himself in.
Initially, Robinson resisted, but later agreed to surrender. The father then reached out to a youth pastor who is also a U.S. Marshals task force officer.
The officer advised Robinson’s father to have his son remain where he was until authorities arrived.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox described Robinson as someone who had become more politically active in recent years.
Cox noted that Robinson had even discussed Kirk's visit to Utah Valley University (UVU) the night before the shooting with a family member.
In a press briefing, Cox also provided details about the engraving found on shell casings at the crime scene, saying the first casing had a message reading, "Notices Bulge OWO what's this??," and others contained political phrases like "Hey fascist! CATCH!" and "O Bella ciao, Bella ciao, Bella ciao, Ciao, ciao!".
The investigation into Robinson’s actions uncovered messages between him and his roommate. These texts detailed the preparation for the shooting, including references to retrieving a rifle from a drop point and leaving it in a bush.
Cox explained that these messages mentioned the rifle's scope, its unique nature, and even referred to changing outfits.
Authorities also confirmed that Robinson arrived at the campus in a gray Dodge Challenger, matching the vehicle seen at the scene.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the speed with which Robinson was apprehended, stating, "We caught him within 33 hours of the shooting, and we were on the scene within 16 minutes."
Patel confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing and that law enforcement will continue to work with state and local authorities to gather evidence for the prosecution.
The weapon believed to be used in the shooting, a Mauser .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle, was found discarded in a wooded area near UVU.
Investigators have sent the rifle to the FBI laboratory for advanced forensic analysis, including fingerprint and DNA testing.
Law enforcement has also gathered footwear impressions, palm prints, and forearm prints for further investigation. The FBI’s efforts have already yielded over 7,000 tips and about 200 interviews.
Law enforcement officials said they believe the shooting was planned in detail, with Robinson discarding the rifle and taking steps to avoid being seen while fleeing the scene.
This included leaving the weapon wrapped in a towel, a precaution likely taken to avoid being seen carrying it through the neighborhood.
During the investigation, authorities released video footage showing Robinson jumping off a rooftop after firing the shot.
Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason confirmed that investigators had tracked Robinson’s movements on the campus, following him through stairwells and across the roof before the shooting occurred.
Trump has described Kirk as "the finest person" who did not deserve to be killed. The president also stated, "Everybody liked him," emphasizing the positive impact Kirk had made in the conservative community.
The shooting occurred on September 10, 2025, while Kirk was addressing a group of university students at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. During a Q&A session, Kirk was struck in the neck by a single shot.
He was rushed to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Following the shooting, law enforcement officials detained two individuals, but both were released after being questioned.
Authorities later shared images and video footage of Robinson fleeing the scene after the shooting. A reward of $100,000 was offered for information leading to the suspect’s capture.
In a follow-up statement, Trump speculated about whether the suspect was part of a larger network, saying, “Seems to be. Well, you don’t know, I mean, you don’t know.”
The investigation continues to uncover further details about the shooting.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox has announced that the state will be pursuing the death penalty in this case, should Robinson be found guilty.
Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was known for his prominent role in engaging conservative youth across the country. His death has sparked widespread outrage and grief among his followers and political allies.
Kirk’s body was transported back to his home state of Arizona on Air Force Two, with Vice President and close friend JD Vance accompanying him. President Trump has also stated that he plans to attend the funeral, although a date has yet to be set.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge as authorities work to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
A judge overseeing the preliminary hearing of Tyler Robinson, the man accused of murdering Charlie Kirk, appeared visibly disturbed after unseen footage of the fatal shooting was played in court.
The 31-year-old was fatally shot in the neck while speaking at a Turning Point USA rally at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.
Robinson, 23, was arrested days later and now faces seven criminal charges, including aggravated murder and obstruction of justice. He has not yet entered a plea.
Utah State District Judge Tony Graf was seen wincing as the courtroom in Provo sat in silence while prosecutors presented video of the shooting that claimed the life of the right-wing activist.
The graphic footage was shown during Robinson's five-day preliminary hearing, where prosecutors are attempting to convince Graf that there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
Kirk's widow, Erika, attended the hearing dressed in black alongside his parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk.
According to reports, the 37-year-old struggled to hold back tears throughout the proceedings.
As prosecutors began recounting the events surrounding her husband's death, she became overwhelmed with emotion and left the courtroom while a police officer described how Kirk was shot.
She was also seen wiping away tears with a handkerchief and leaning on Kathryn Kirk's shoulder for support as prosecutors outlined their case.
Donald Trump Jr. also attended the hearing, while The Associated Press reported that Robinson's parents were seated a few rows behind the Kirk family.
The Daily Mail also reported that Robinson was seen laughing at one point during the proceedings.
If Judge Graf finds probable cause, Robinson could enter a plea during an arraignment that may take place the same day before the case proceeds to trial.
Prosecutors are expected to present extensive evidence, including three graphic exhibits from the shooting.
They also plan to introduce footage they allege shows Robinson at Utah Valley University before and after Kirk was shot, DNA evidence from the rifle police say was used in the killing, a recorded statement from Robinson's roommate, and a handwritten note reading: "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it."
Prosecutors have further alleged that the suspect confessed to the shooting in messages exchanged with his partner, Lance Twiggs. Those messages are also expected to be introduced as evidence.
Meanwhile, defense attorneys are expected to point to ballistics testing that proved inconclusive in matching a bullet fragment recovered from Kirk's body to the alleged murder weapon.
If convicted, Robinson could face the death penalty, which prosecutors are seeking.
Before the hearing, the conservative activist's family released a joint statement reflecting on the pain of reliving his death through the court proceedings.
"Charlie was a beloved husband, son, brother, friend, and father," they said. "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."
"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. Out of respect for the judicial process, we will not be commenting further at this time," they added.
The name of the suspect in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been confirmed.
On Friday, September 12, President Donald Trump confirmed that the suspect is now in custody.
According to Trump, "with a high degree of certainty," he has been caught, and he further revealed that "someone very close to him turned him in."
In the latest development, the suspect's name has been revealed as Tyler Robinson, according to NBC News, citing five senior law enforcement officials familiar with the case.
Robinson was born in 2003 and is from Utah, officials confirmed. He is 22 years of age.
Trump suggested that the suspect’s father drove him to a police station and handed him over, saying, “I think the father drove him to the police station.”
The president added that the suspect was recognized by those close to him. However, he cautioned that the information was still "subject to be corrected" and based on what he had "heard," indicating that further details would be released later.
Trump, speaking on Fox News, expressed his hope for justice, stating, "I hope he's gonna be found guilty, I would imagine, and I hope he gets the death penalty for what he did."
Tyler Robinson is accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk, 31, while he was speaking to students at a university event in Orem, Utah, on September 10, 2025. The shooting took place in broad daylight, and Kirk later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
Kirk, a prominent figure in the conservative movement and the co-founder of Turning Point USA, had millions of followers across social media platforms.
Known for his close ties to President Trump, Kirk’s death has drawn significant attention.
Trump also addressed questions about whether Robinson was part of a larger network, saying that it was still unclear at this stage.
In a significant moment, Trump confirmed that Kirk’s body was flown back from Salt Lake City to his home state of Arizona on Air Force Two, accompanied by the US vice president and Kirk’s close friend, JD Vance.
The president also expressed his intentions to attend Kirk’s funeral, though no date has been set.
As investigations continue, authorities are working to gather more information and piece together the full circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
Authorities have released new details surrounding the suspected shooter of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, days after his shocking death at Utah Valley University (UVU).
Tyler Robinson, 22, is accused of fatally shooting Kirk in the neck as he spoke on campus on Wednesday (September 10).
The attack, which occurred as the Turning Point USA founder discussed gun violence, was captured on camera, showing him collapsing in his chair with blood pouring from the wound.
Kirk was rushed to the hospital by his security team, but shortly afterward, President Donald Trump announced that his ally was dead.
Robinson was arrested on Friday (September 12) after a 33-hour manhunt. Trump later revealed that someone “close” to Robinson had “turned him in” to authorities.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed the suspect has remained silent since being taken into custody and is “not cooperating," per BBC News.
Speaking with CNN on Sunday (September 14), Cox was pressed about reports that Robinson was “deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology," and said: “So that information comes from the people around him, from his family members and friends. That's how we got that information.
“Again, there's so much more that we're learning and so much more that we will learn... official charges will be filed on Tuesday, and there will be much more evidence and information available then.”
While declining to detail “discussions” Robinson allegedly had with his family about Kirk, Cox said only: “Just not a fan. That’s all I can say.”
Police are also reviewing disturbing messages Robinson allegedly exchanged with friends on Discord in the hours after the shooting.
According to The New York Times, he was allegedly tagged in a group chat where users wrote “wya” [where you at] with a skull emoji, joking that he resembled the man being sought by the FBI. Robinson allegedly replied that it was his “doppelganger” trying to “get me in trouble.”
“Tyler killed Charlie!!!” a second user reportedly wrote, while one chat member suggested turning Robinson in for the $100,000 FBI reward. “Only if I get a cut,” Robinson reportedly replied.
“Whatever you do, don’t go to a McDonald’s anytime soon,” another user joked, referencing killer Luigi Mangioni, who was found at the restaurant and charged with the killing of a health insurance chief executive in Manhattan.
Robinson then allegedly added that he “better also get rid of this manifesto and exact copy rifle I have lying around,” before insisting the shooter was “CLEARLY” from California.
Discord has denied that its platform was used to plan the attack, per The Verge.
As the investigation continues, Kirk’s widow, Erika, has vowed to honor her late husband’s legacy.
Speaking during a Turning Point USA livestream on Friday, she pledged to continue his campus tours and confirmed Americafest, the group’s annual conference, will still be held in Phoenix this December.
“There will be even more tours in the years to come,” Erika said, calling her husband a “martyr” in her first public remarks since the killing, and saying "he wanted to be remembered for his courage and for his faith.”
She also reflected on Kirk’s passions, describing him as a man who “loved his life. He loved America. He loved nature, which helped him always bring him closer to God. He loved the Chicago Cubs and, my goodness, did he love the Oregon Ducks.
“Most of all,” she said, “Charlie loved his children, and he loved me with all of his heart, and I knew that every day.”
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