Prosecutors are seeking to prove sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial in the murder case of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. Tyler Robinson, 23, faces the possibility of the death penalty if convicted of fatally shooting Kirk at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.
A preliminary hearing is currently underway, during which the court is reviewing evidence presented by the prosecution. This includes a video of Robinson turning himself in to authorities, which was shown while Utah State Bureau of Investigation Agent Brian Davis testified. The video shows Robinson, clad in a maroon shirt, jeans, and a hat, in a room at the Washington County Sheriff's Office, accompanied by his parents and a friend.
Agent Davis stated that Robinson was arrested after he and his parents were interviewed. He added that he interviewed Robinson's mother, while other officers spoke with Robinson and his father. A family friend who accompanied them was also interviewed.
Evidence Presented in Hearing
Prosecutors have presented surveillance footage that they allege places Robinson at the scene of the murder. In a video allegedly captured moments before Kirk was killed, the suspect is seen walking with a noticeable limp, keeping his right leg straight as he ascended stairs towards what investigators identified as a "sniper perch" on a nearby rooftop. This footage reportedly contradicts theories that Robinson was not on campus at the time of the shooting.
Former Utah State Bureau of Investigation agent David Hull described the surveillance video in court. He testified that Robinson had interacted with members of Kirk's group, Turning Point USA, and obtained food from Chick-fil-A before the shooting. Hull also stated that Robinson changed his clothes before the murder.
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 Kirk being hit by a single bullet to the neck, causing the crowd to scatter. Bagley quickly identified a raised rooftop across from where Kirk was shot as a potential vantage point for the assailant.
He testified to finding a "sniper pad" on the roof of the Losee Center building, with impressions in the gravel indicating where someone had laid. A bolt-action rifle with one spent round was later recovered from a wooded area near the scene. Police reported that a towel wrapped around the weapon tested positive for Robinson's DNA. Investigators have also claimed to have found bullet casings engraved with political messages.
Controversy Over Redacted Testimony
Adding a point of contention to the proceedings, Judge Tony Graf ruled Wednesday that a portion of video testimony from Lance Twiggs, identified as Robinson's lover and roommate, could be redacted. The prosecution requested that approximately 1 minute and 20 seconds of the interview be withheld, with plans to edit and present it on Thursday.
A representative for Charlie Kirk's family criticized the judge's decision, stating that a lack of transparency "will create doubt and distrust in the judicial system." The representative urged the court to consider the family's position and make the testimony fully available.
Robinson's defense team argued that certain parts of Twiggs' video testimony are irrelevant and could jeopardize Robinson's right to a fair trial. They submitted a 20-page transcript of the interview along with proposed redactions. The testimony in question stems from two interviews conducted with Twiggs by police, one on September 12, the day after Robinson surrendered, and another on April 20.
Kirk's widow, Erika, and his parents, Robert and Kathryn, have been present in court daily for the evidence hearing.
Robinson had remained in custody since his family persuaded him to turn himself in after recognizing him in surveillance photos circulated during the manhunt for Kirk's killer. The video of Robinson surrendering was one of several pieces of evidence presented to determine if the case should proceed to trial.