Prosecutors Show Video of Charlie Kirk's Killing in Utah Hearing
On the second day of a preliminary hearing, Utah prosecutors presented video evidence showing suspect Tyler James Robinson arriving at Utah Valley University campus and climbing onto a rooftop where he allegedly fired the fatal shot that killed conservative commentator Charlie Kirk last September.
Video Evidence Presented in Court
Utah prosecutors on Tuesday showed surveillance footage that they said depicts Tyler James Robinson, 23, entering the Utah Valley University campus and climbing onto a roof from which a fatal shot was fired at conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The evidence was presented during a week-long preliminary hearing where the state must convince a district judge that there is sufficient probable cause to proceed to trial.
Robinson is charged with aggravated murder in the death of Kirk, who was shot in the neck while speaking at the university on September 10, 2025. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty and have cited DNA evidence linking Robinson to the suspected weapon. They also allege that Robinson confessed in a note left for his roommate and romantic partner. Robinson has not yet entered a plea.
Family and Friends Attend Hearing
This week's proceedings mark the first time Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, and other family members have been in the same courtroom as the accused. Donald Trump Jr., a close friend of Kirk, attended Monday's session. On the first day, former Utah Valley University police officer Christopher Bagley described hearing a gunshot and the ensuing panic. "Everybody kind of got up. A lot of people were screaming and starting to run in all different directions," Bagley testified. He also inspected a nearby rooftop and noticed impressions in the gravel that he believed suggested a sniper had been there.
Additional Footage Shown
On Tuesday, former state investigation agent David Hull narrated videos played in court. He said the footage shows Robinson arriving on campus, leaving, and later returning in different clothing. Another video shows a person believed to be Robinson climbing onto a roof, lying prone, and then firing a shot at 12:23 p.m., after which the person gets up, descends, and walks away from campus.
Prosecutors also showed footage of Robinson's vehicle on campus in the early hours of September 11. A police officer who interacted with the driver wrote down details and a partial license plate number, which led authorities to identify Robinson as the vehicle's owner. The prosecution and defense clashed over enhanced video evidence, with prosecutors arguing the highlights and circles were meant to aid understanding. The hearing is expected to last five days.
