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Prosecutors in Utah revealed their evidence against Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing the conservative activist Charlie Kirk. They're trying to establish probable cause that Robinson should be tried for his killing. Sean Higgins with member station KUER was at the preliminary hearing.
SEAN HIGGINS, BYLINE: In the hours after Kirk was shot while speaking publicly at Utah Valley University on September 10, the man suspected of killing him exchanged text messages with his roommate and romantic partner. The lengthy exchange between Robinson and Lance Twiggs was read aloud in the courtroom by State Bureau of Investigation Agent Brian Davis.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
BRIAN DAVIS: And then Lance replies, you weren't the one who did it, right? And Tyler says, I am. I'm sorry.
HIGGINS: Robinson's defense has consistently argued against this evidence being admitted in court. In addition to the texts, an edited interview prosecutors conducted with Twiggs in April was also played. District Judge Tony Graf redacted portions of the texts and video in response to defense objections. In the footage, Twiggs detailed Robinson's demeanor the morning after the shooting.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
LANCE TWIGGS: 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.
HIGGINS: Prosecutors allege Robinson targeted Kirk for his political beliefs. Twiggs' recorded interview said he had never heard Robinson talk about Kirk and would only occasionally discuss politics. Prosecutors allege Robinson had given some thought to Kirk before the shooting. In the text messages with Twiggs, Robinson said he had been planning the attack for roughly a week. Twiggs also asked Robinson directly why he would kill Kirk, and the reply was, quote, "I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out."
The hearing is scheduled to end today. Judge Graf granted a defense request to file a briefing before he decides whether Robinson will stand trial. Prosecutors can file a brief too. Another hearing has been scheduled for September 1, pushing Graf's decision off until then. Kirk family attorney Jeffrey Neiman said they want swift justice.
JEFFREY NEIMAN: I think we obviously know the court needs to make sure they're balancing all interests here, but I think as soon as the matter could be bound over and this matter could be set for trial, that's what the Kirk family would like.
HIGGINS: Robinson has yet to enter a plea to the charges against him.
For NPR News, I'm Sean Higgins in Salt Lake City.
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