A Utah judge fully admitted explosive testimony that could prove Charlie Kirk was assassinated for his Christian faith.
Judge Tony Graf on July 9 allowed a three-page statement from pastor David Engelhardt — a Turning Point USA board member and friend of Kirk — detailing Kirk’s “orthodox-Christian position on marriage, family, gender, and sexual being, which find their basis in various Biblical scriptures.”
Defense attorney Richard Novak fought the admission for more than 30 minutes during the second day of preliminary hearings, arguing the document does not reveal accused assassin Tyler Robinson’s views on Kirk and claiming “this is not a case about religion.”
But Graf ruled the document is admissible as evidence for Kirk’s political beliefs — a decision that bolsters the prosecution’s case for the victim-targeting enhancement, which could significantly increase Robinson’s punishment if he is found guilty.
The Engelhardt testimony:
1)As noted in Turning Point USA’s filings with the Internal Revenue Service, Turning Point USA is organized and operated exclusively for educational and charitable purposes in accordance with section 501(c)(3), to empower informed civic and cultural…
— Breccan F. Thies (@BreccanFThies) July 9, 2026
The prosecution hopes to prove Robinson killed Kirk because of his “political expression.” If proven beyond a reasonable doubt, Utah law allows for a sentence to be enhanced because a victim was targeted for his political beliefs.
Novak told Graf he does not believe the document is relevant to the enhancement and told the court: “I didn’t bring the Bible to this courtroom. The state brought it.”
Lack of audio was due to the admission of an exhibit considered Tuesday and provisionally admitted — that of Pastor David Engelhardt, which is a statement of political and religious beliefs, motivations, and mission of TPUSA, Charlie KIRK, etc.
STATE is using this to lay the…
— Breccan F. Thies (@BreccanFThies) July 9, 2026
Graf initially chose to provisionally admit the document because it relates to the victim-targeting enhancement and Kirk’s political expression. On Thursday, he fully admitted and published the exhibit.
Under Utah Code § 76-3-203.14, the state allows for a sentence to be increased when a victim was targeted for his political beliefs.
The charges remain allegations. The case has not been proven in court.
