Hearing Begins for Man Accused of Killing Activist Charlie Kirk
Prosecutors have begun laying out their case against Tyler Robinson, the man charged with the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, during a preliminary hearing in Utah.
Erika Kirk sat with her late husband’s parents and friends on Monday as the court reviewed evidence from the September 2025 attack. Robinson faces charges including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice and felony use of a firearm. The prosecution intends to seek the death penalty.
The current proceedings will determine whether sufficient probable cause exists to send the case to trial. The family temporarily left the room to avoid viewing graphic footage of the moment Kirk was shot in the neck while addressing an estimated 3,000 people at Utah Valley University.
Robinson surrendered to authorities the day after the killing. He has not yet entered a plea.
Roof sniper position
Former campus police officer Christopher Bagley testified that surveillance video showed a man with a long object positioning himself on a roof overlooking the event. Bagley later searched the area and discovered a screwdriver alongside impressions in the roof gravel indicating a prone sniper stance.
Former State Bureau of Investigation agent David Hull told the court that campus cameras captured a man matching Robinson’s description four times around the period of the shooting. Mobile phone data and a residential doorbell camera subsequently tracked a vehicle resembling Robinson’s car to a nearby street early the next morning.
Police recovered a Mauser Model 98 .30-06 calibre rifle wrapped in a towel in woodland near the campus. Prosecutors allege the bolt-action firearm contained three unspent rounds engraved with messages.
While the prosecution stated DNA consistent with Robinson was found on the weapon’s trigger and a spent casing, defence attorney Kathy Nester challenged this forensic certainty.
The defence team highlighted reports showing DNA from at least five individuals on certain items. Furthermore, federal analysis of bullet fragments recovered from Kirk’s body proved inconclusive in matching the specific rifle.
Text messages and admissions
The prosecution relies heavily on statements Robinson allegedly made to his family and a former roommate. Charging documents state Robinson’s parents recognised their son and his rifle from suspect images circulated by law enforcement. When confronted at their home, he allegedly admitted to the shooting and claimed his target spread hate.
Investigators also secured a recorded statement from Robinson’s roommate and romantic partner in exchange for limited immunity. Prosecutors allege Robinson directed the roommate to a handwritten note declaring his intention to kill the 31-year-old activist.
Following the shooting, the roommate reportedly sent a text message asking if Robinson was responsible. Charging documents indicate Robinson replied affirmatively before instructing the roommate to delete their correspondence and remain silent if questioned by police.
