The family of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, has expressed their objection to a judge's decision to redact portions of video testimony from the transgender lover of the man accused of Kirk's murder. Tyler Robinson, 23, faces a preliminary hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial for the killing of Kirk at a Turning Point USA event on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University. If convicted, Robinson could face the death penalty.
Judge Tony Graf ruled on Wednesday that video testimony from Robinson's lover and roommate, Lance Twiggs, could be shown in court. However, he also stated that approximately 1 minute and 20 seconds of the footage would be redacted. Prosecutors indicated they would edit and present this portion on Thursday.
A representative for the Kirk family stated in court that the redaction undermines transparency and could foster doubt and distrust in the judicial system. The family urged the court to consider their position in making such decisions.
Robinson's defense argued that the redacted sections are irrelevant and that their inclusion could jeopardize his right to a fair trial. They submitted a 20-page transcript of Twiggs's interview, along with proposed redactions.
Twiggs provided testimony through two interviews with police. The first interview occurred on September 12, 2025, the day after Robinson surrendered to authorities, and the second on April 20, 2026.
During the ongoing preliminary hearing, prosecutors presented a video showing Robinson turning himself in to authorities. The video depicts Robinson, wearing a maroon shirt, jeans, and a hat, in a room at the Washington County Sheriff's Office. His parents and a friend were present as he surrendered. According to Utah State Bureau of Investigation Agent Brian Davis, Robinson was arrested after he and his parents were interviewed.
Prosecutors have also presented surveillance footage they claim places Robinson at the scene of the crime. The video allegedly shows Robinson, moments before Kirk was killed, walking with an apparent limp while ascending stairs toward a rooftop area described as a "snipers perch."
Former Utah State Bureau of Investigation agent David Hull testified that the footage indicates Robinson interacted with members of Kirk's group and obtained food before the murder. Hull also stated that Robinson changed his clothes before the shooting.
On Monday, Utah Valley University police officer Chris Bagley, the first responder on the scene, testified about the chaotic moments following the shooting. He described realizing the fatal shot could have come from a rooftop across from the stage where Kirk was hit. Bagley testified that he went to the rooftop of the Losee Center building and found what he described as a "sniper pad," with impressions in the gravel indicating where a suspect had lain.
Investigators have stated that a rifle found in a wooded area near the shooting site, wrapped in a towel that tested positive for Robinson's DNA, is believed to be the weapon used. Police also claimed that bullet casings found with the weapon were engraved with political messages.
Kirk's widow, Erika, and his parents, Robert and Kathryn, have been present at the court for the preliminary hearing.
