Tyler Robinson, the man accused of murdering conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, made contact with members of Kirk's organization Turning Point USA prior to the fatal shooting, a pre-trial hearing was told Tuesday. Robinson, 23, is currently undergoing hearings to determine if prosecutors have sufficient evidence to proceed to a full trial for the September 2025 assassination at Utah Valley University.
David Hull, an agent with the Utah State Bureau of Investigation, testified that Robinson visited the amphitheater where Kirk was scheduled to speak just hours before the incident. Hull stated that Robinson interacted with several Turning Point USA members at the venue before departing. The agent did not specify the nature of these interactions. Hull also noted that Robinson purchased food from a campus Chick-fil-A approximately two hours before Kirk was killed.
Campus Surveillance and Manhunt
Surveillance footage presented in court allegedly shows Robinson on the Utah Valley University campus on the day of the shooting. The footage depicts Robinson walking with a limp and visiting the campus multiple times in his grey Dodge Challenger in the day preceding the assassination. A judge ruled Tuesday that prosecutors could play this previously unseen footage of Robinson's movements on campus on the day of the shooting.
Hull testified as the footage was played, detailing Robinson's presence on campus. Robinson has remained in custody since his arrest 33 hours after Kirk's death.
Authorities are expected to use this surveillance footage as a central piece of evidence. The footage shows Robinson driving into a parking garage, walking away, returning, and then leaving the area. Investigators also plan to present previously released surveillance footage that allegedly shows Robinson on the roof of the Losee Center building moments before the shooting.
Evidence Presented in Court
Prosecutors are assembling a comprehensive case against Robinson. Evidence reportedly includes DNA linking him to the alleged murder weapon and witness statements. Authorities also expect to present messages Robinson allegedly sent to his transgender boyfriend on the day of the shooting, in which he stated he "had enough of (Kirk's) hatred" and that "some hatred can't be negotiated out."
During a previous hearing on Monday, Utah Valley University police officer Chris Bagley, the first officer on the scene, testified that he was near the stage when Kirk was shot. Bagley described the moments as "chaotic" and recalled realizing the shot may have come from a raised roof area across from where Kirk was standing. Bagley testified that he found a "sniper pad" on the rooftop of the Losee Center, with gravel imprinted from where the suspect had allegedly lain to fire the shot.
Bagley admitted under cross-examination that he found an empty pistol holster on the ground after the crowd dispersed but did not collect it as evidence. He also stated his body camera was not operational due to a dead battery.
Investigators later discovered a bolt-action rifle wrapped in a towel near the campus. Unfired bullet casings found with the rifle reportedly bore engraved political messages, including "Hey fascist! CATCH!" and "If you read This, you are GAY. Lmao."
Robinson turned himself in 33 hours after the shooting, following a manhunt that included a $100,000 reward for information. Robinson has not yet entered a plea in the case.