The man accused of killing Charlie Kirk attended Utah Valley University in casual attire before buying a meal at Chick-fil-A and interacting with Kirk’s staff. Later, he changed clothes and allegedly shot Kirk from a rooftop, according to an investigator’s testimony.
David Hull, an agent with the Utah State Bureau of Investigation, detailed Tyler Robinson’s activities before and after the incident. Surveillance footage from the university campus was presented in court. Hull stated that Robinson arrived on campus approximately four hours before the incident.
During the testimony, a video showed Robinson allegedly walking to the roof and lying down. Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, appeared emotional while watching the footage.
Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty
The prosecution aims to pursue the death penalty and convince Judge Tony Graf that enough evidence exists for Robinson to stand trial for aggravated murder. Robinson has not entered a plea, and his legal team has not commented on his guilt or innocence, but they have unsuccessfully sought to have the death penalty removed from consideration.
In the video, Robinson moves across a railing, crouches, and runs to a site overlooking Kirk’s speaking area, as detailed by Hull. After the shooting, he flees the scene. The alleged murder weapon, a bolt-action rifle with a spent round, was found nearby, wrapped in a towel. Robinson was later spotted again near campus.
Significant Evidence Presentation
The preliminary hearing provided a substantial presentation of evidence. Authorities claim Robinson, 23, shot Kirk on September 10 while he was speaking to a large crowd. Testimony from former police officer Christopher Bagley described the rooftop as resembling a sniper’s position.
The court will also consider video evidence from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office from September 11, the day Robinson turned himself in, and recorded statements from Robinson’s former roommate. Judge Graf ruled that the roommate need not testify in person.
Alleged Motives and Evidence
Prosecutors claim that Robinson left a note for his roommate confessing to targeting Kirk. They allege the shooting posed a danger to others present — an aggravating factor under Utah law that permits seeking the death penalty.
The hearing saw Kirk’s family attending, marking their first courtroom presence. Robinson’s parents were also present. The Kirks briefly left the courtroom twice due to emotional distress but returned each time. In a statement, Kirk’s parents expressed grief over his loss.
Basic Threshold for Prosecution
The hearing functions as a minitrial where prosecutors must demonstrate reasonable grounds to believe Robinson committed the crime. This threshold is lower than in a full trial, where guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Defense attorney Kathryn Nester objected to several pieces of evidence, but most objections were overruled. During cross-examination, she questioned Bagley about an empty pistol holster found on the scene, which had not been submitted as evidence.
Public Interest
Residents of Utah County, Denae Branch and Jean Rivera, were among those who lined up for a seat in the courtroom. They recalled being present during the shooting and expressed ongoing trauma. Rivera wore a “FREEDOM” shirt similar to what Kirk wore on the day he was shot, as she awaited further testimony about Robinson’s alleged confession.
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