SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The 23-year-old man accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University will be in court this week for the most substantial hearing so far in his murder case.Prosecutors will lay out their evidence against Tyler Robinson in a five-day preliminary hearing. When it is over, the judge will decide whether the case will proceed to trial, with the death penalty as a possible punishment if he is convicted.Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, and his parents are expected to be in the Utah courtroom, according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. The hearing will be livestreamed. Robinson has not entered a plea. Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was a top podcaster and ally of President Donald Trump. He led an effort to remake the Republican Party’s get-out-the-vote effort in the 2024 election.Here are moments leading up to Kirk’s event, his death and the charges filed against Robinson. All times are local.
Aug. 29Ahead of Kirk’s visit to Utah Valley University, a change.org petition is started titled “Prevent Charlie Kirk from speaking at Utah Valley University.”
