Prosecutors present surveillance footage, 'sniper pad' testimony in Charlie Kirk murder hearing

The hearing

A preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, the 23-year-old charged with aggravated murder in the killing of Charlie Kirk, began Monday in Provo, Utah, and is expected to continue through the week. Judge Tony Graf is presiding over the proceedings, which are being live-streamed after the defense's unsuccessful bid to ban cameras. Prosecutors must show probable cause to send the case to trial; they are seeking the death penalty.

Evidence presented

On the first two days, the state introduced autopsy findings, graphic video of the shooting, and extensive surveillance footage. Lead investigator David Hull of the Utah State Bureau of Investigation walked the court through security recordings that he said show Robinson on the Utah Valley University campus before and after the September 10, 2025 attack. The footage allegedly captures a man matching Robinson running across the rooftop of the Losee Building, jumping off while holding an object, and driving away in a gray Dodge Challenger.

It looks like a sniper pad.

Former university officer Christopher Bagley testified that he witnessed the shooting and later found a prone position on a nearby gravel rooftop with a clear sightline to the stage where Kirk was speaking.

The defendant's alleged statements

Prosecutors also referenced a note Robinson left for his roommate and romantic partner, reading: "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I'm going to take it." They allege he later texted that he targeted Kirk because he had "had enough of his hatred." DNA evidence linking Robinson to the suspected murder weapon is expected to be presented.

Defense objections

Defense attorney Kathy Nester has challenged much of the video evidence and sought to have the death penalty removed. On Monday, some graphic footage was shown only to attorneys and the judge. The defense previously failed to block cameras from the courtroom, arguing that live-streaming threatened Robinson's right to a fair trial.

Background and family presence

Kirk, 31, co-founded Turning Point USA and was a prominent conservative activist. He was shot while answering an audience question about transgender people and gun violence at a campus event. His widow Erika Kirk, who forgave the killer at a memorial service attended by President Trump, sat in the courtroom meters from Robinson. Robinson's parents were also present. Robinson, who turned himself in nearly 34 hours after the shooting, has not entered a plea.