A defense attorney representing Tyler Robinson faced criticism after describing Charlie Kirk as hateful during a preliminary hearing in Provo, Utah. Prosecutors and an attorney for Kirk’s family challenged the characterization, saying the hearing evidence did not establish that Kirk hated any group. Robinson, 23, is accused of fatally shooting the 31-year-old father of two during a public event at Utah Valley University in September 2025. A judge sent all charges, including aggravated murder eligible for the death penalty, to district court.
The remarks came during closing arguments on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. Defense attorney Richard Novak argued against binding the case over for trial. Robinson has pleaded not guilty through his attorney, Kathy Nester. The next scheduled proceeding is a pretrial conference on Oct. 23.
| 1) | Defense remarks draw courtroom criticism |
| 2) | Prosecutors dispute the characterization of Kirk |
| 3) | Alleged messages form part of the prosecution case |
| 4) | Judge sends the charges toward trial |
| 5) | Next court date and potential death penalty |
Defense remarks draw courtroom criticism
During closing arguments at the 4th District Court in Provo, Richard Novak said Charlie Kirk had spoken hatefully about certain groups. Novak used that argument to describe a divide between Kirk’s views and what Tyler Robinson allegedly believed about him. Kirk’s parents, widow and other relatives were in court.
New Jersey criminal defense attorney David Gelman, who followed the hearing, called the remarks unprofessional and unexpected at a preliminary proceeding. He said a defense lawyer could challenge a victim’s character at trial but questioned doing so in front of the family during an evidentiary hearing.
Prosecutors dispute the characterization of Kirk
Chief Deputy Utah County Attorney Chad Grunander said the preliminary hearing evidence did not show that Charlie Kirk was hateful toward a particular group. He argued that political and religious opinions did not by themselves amount to hatred. Grunander also said the defense’s framing could support the prosecution’s account of Robinson’s alleged motive.
Attorney Jeffrey Neiman, who represents the Kirk family, rejected the description and said Kirk had built a public career around addressing difficult subjects. Neiman characterized the killing as an act of hate. The dispute focused on how Kirk’s public speech should be interpreted and whether that interpretation was relevant to sending the case to trial.
Alleged messages form part of the prosecution case
Prosecutors allege that Tyler Robinson discussed the shooting with Lance Twiggs in text messages after the killing. Twiggs, identified as Robinson’s roommate and romantic partner at the time, has been a key prosecution witness. Prosecutors allege that Robinson confessed to him and described why he targeted Kirk.
One alleged message attributed to Robinson says he had endured Kirk’s hatred and refers to retrieving a rifle without being seen. The messages are being presented as evidence of Robinson’s alleged state of mind and motive. The preliminary hearing examined whether sufficient grounds existed for the case to continue, not whether Robinson was guilty.
Judge sends the charges toward trial
Judge Tony Graf Jr. ordered all charges bound over to district court on Tuesday. The decision includes aggravated murder, which is eligible for the death penalty. The ruling allows prosecutors to continue pursuing the charges in a trial court, where evidence and legal arguments will receive fuller examination.
Tyler Robinson is accused of shooting Charlie Kirk on Sept. 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Kirk had been speaking before thousands of people at a Turning Point USA event when he was fatally wounded. Robinson entered not guilty pleas through Kathy Nester during an arraignment held Tuesday.
Next court date and potential death penalty
The next scheduled proceeding is a pretrial conference on Oct. 23. Judge Tony Graf Jr. may establish a trial date and address case-management issues. The case could expose Robinson to the death penalty if he is convicted of aggravated murder and prosecutors pursue that punishment.
The defense has asked the judge to remove the potential death penalty from consideration. That request remains part of the litigation. The prosecution’s allegations, the defense’s interpretation of Kirk’s public statements, and the admissibility and meaning of the alleged messages are expected to remain central issues.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The defense described Charlie Kirk as hateful during closing arguments. |
| 2 | Prosecutors and the Kirk family’s attorney rejected that characterization. |
| 3 | Prosecutors cite alleged texts and testimony from Lance Twiggs. |
| 4 | All charges were bound over to district court, including aggravated murder. |
| 5 | A pretrial conference is scheduled for Oct. 23. |
Summary
The preliminary hearing ended with the case against Tyler Robinson moving toward trial. The courtroom dispute over how Charlie Kirk should be characterized added a contentious element to the proceedings. Prosecutors maintain that alleged communications and witness testimony support the murder case. The next major step is the Oct. 23 pretrial conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tyler Robinson?
Tyler Robinson is the 23-year-old defendant accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in September 2025.
What did the defense attorney argue?
Defense attorney Richard Novak argued that Charlie Kirk had spoken hatefully about certain groups and that there was a significant gap between Kirk’s views and Robinson’s beliefs.
What happens next in the case?
The case will proceed in district court. A pretrial conference is scheduled for Oct. 23, when the judge may set a trial date.