Pre-trial hearings for Tyler Robinson, the suspect accused of assassinating conservative commentator Charlie Kirk in September 2025, have seen prosecutors present evidence that directly challenges numerous conspiracy theories that emerged immediately following the on-camera shooting. These theories, amplified by online streamers and commentators, have been scrutinized in court, with prosecutors aiming to establish a factual timeline and evidence chain.
One prominent theory, pushed by commentator Candace Owens, suggested that Robinson was not present on the Utah Valley University campus when Kirk was shot. However, prosecutors countered this by presenting surveillance footage allegedly showing Robinson on the campus grounds that day. IMAGE2 "Prosecutors presented surveillance footage allegedly showing the suspect prowling the area beforehand." IMAGE3 "Authorities previously released images allegedly showing Robinson on the day of the shooting."
Owens also questioned the cause of Kirk's death, suggesting he was struck by an exploding microphone rather than a bullet. Prosecutors refuted this by presenting autopsy findings that concluded Kirk died from a single gunshot wound to the neck. The autopsy report, however, did not immediately provide a definitive match to Robinson's rifle. An ATF report on bullet fragments returned as "inconclusive," a finding that fueled further conspiracy claims of a broader cover-up. Prosecutors stated they will present a ballistics expert who will explain that such inconclusive results do not rule out a weapon, as bullet damage can impede definitive matching.
Further conspiracy theories included allegations that Kirk's security team or a foreign government was involved, and even that Kirk was still alive. Podcaster Keli Rabon, who attended the hearings, expressed belief that Kirk was staging an elaborate "psy-op." Owens continued to promote skepticism, noting a height discrepancy between the suspect's registered height (5'10") and the perceived height of the figure in surveillance footage, which she estimated to be "at least 6'2, possibly 6'3." IMAGE4 "The early pre-trial hearings of Charlie Kirk's alleged assassin Tyler Robinson have attempted to push back on conspiracy theories peddled by social media sleuths"
The hearings have also brought to light questions about the investigation's execution. The prosecution's opening witness, former Utah Valley special officer Chris Bagley, testified that his body camera battery died while he was examining the rooftop where the fatal shot was allegedly fired. Bagley also stated he did not find a rifle case that Robinson was said to have carried to the roof, nor did he identify a plainclothes officer who joined him on the rooftop. He also admitted to not submitting an empty pistol holster found in the amphitheater where Kirk was killed into evidence.
These admissions by Bagley reignited online speculation, with Owens sharing a livestream of the testimony and criticizing the authorities. Despite these developments, Owens reiterated her skepticism, predicting that Robinson's transgender lover, Lance Twiggs, would be revealed as a federal asset involved in setting up Robinson, and that "no gun was ever fired from Losee— Charlie’s mic exploded." IMAGE5 "Despite the hearings appearing to undercut many conspiracies floating around the case, Owens issued a fresh raft of predictions over the case on Wednesday." IMAGE6 "Conspiracy theories surrounding Kirk's death and the investigation into suspect Tyler Robinson have been led by commentator Candace Owens (pictured), who has peddled outlandish theories to her millions of viewers."
Prosecutors are continuing to present evidence intended to implicate Robinson, while the court proceedings aim to address the factual basis of the allegations against him. IMAGE7 "The prosecution's opening witness, former Utah Valley special officer Chris Bagley, admitted that his body camera's battery died while he was scouring the rooftop where Robinson allegedly fired the fatal shot." IMAGE9 "Prosecutors are submitting a slew of evidence that they say implicates Robinson as the shooter."