A judge overseeing the assassination case of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk visibly reacted with distress when the court was shown graphic video evidence of the shooting. Judge Tony Graf flinched and moved his seat back while watching footage of accused gunman Tyler Robinson shooting Kirk through the neck.
Robinson, 23, is accused of fatally shooting Kirk, 31, from a distance during a September 2025 event at Utah Valley University. Prosecutors presented three videos depicting the shooting during a preliminary hearing in Provo. Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, left the courtroom before the footage was played.
Robinson appeared to smile at times during the hearing while conferring with his legal counsel. The multi-day hearing before Judge Graf is intended to determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to a criminal trial for Robinson, as an alternative to a grand jury indictment under Utah law.
Prosecutors are expected to present evidence including messages between Robinson and Lance Twiggs, described as Robinson's trans lover, in which Robinson allegedly admitted to the shooting. Robinson has not yet entered a plea and faces a potential death penalty if convicted. The date of the shooting was September 2025. Kirk was 31 years old at the time of his death, and Robinson was 23. The hearing is taking place in Utah.