By Emmanuel Bobby
Newly presented surveillance footage and testimony have provided a detailed account of the movements prosecutors say led up to the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. During a court hearing on Tuesday, investigators outlined how the man accused of the killing allegedly spent hours on campus before carrying out the attack from a rooftop overlooking Kirk’s public event.
According to testimony from Utah State Bureau of Investigation Agent David Hull, the defendant, Tyler Robinson, first arrived on the university campus approximately four hours before the shooting. Hull described Robinson’s actions before and after the attack as prosecutors introduced previously unseen surveillance videos during the ongoing preliminary hearing.
Watch the court proceeding online.
Authorities allege that Robinson casually walked around the campus wearing shorts and a T-shirt, blending in with students and visitors before later changing his appearance. During that time, investigators say he purchased food from a Chick-fil-A restaurant on campus and even interacted with members of Kirk’s event staff.
Prosecutors argue that these actions demonstrate planning and preparation before the fatal shooting.
According to Hull’s testimony, Robinson later returned wearing different clothing and made his way toward the rooftop from which investigators believe the shots were fired.
One surveillance video shown in court reportedly captured Robinson climbing over a railing to access the roof of a campus building. Hull testified that Robinson then crouched low and ran across the rooftop to a position offering a clear view of the location where Kirk was addressing a large crowd.
Investigators allege that after firing the fatal shot, Robinson quickly retreated across the rooftop, climbed back to ground level, and fled the area on foot.
Authorities later recovered what they believe was the murder weapon—a bolt-action rifle wrapped inside a towel—in a wooded area near the campus. Investigators said the firearm contained one spent cartridge, which they believe corresponds to the fatal shot.
Hull also testified that later the same evening, a police officer spotted Robinson once again in the vicinity of the university, adding another piece to the timeline prosecutors are building.
The preliminary hearing represents the most significant public presentation of evidence since Robinson was charged in connection with the killing.
Prosecutors allege that the 23-year-old fatally shot Kirk on Sept. 10 while the conservative commentator and political activist was speaking before thousands of supporters gathered at Utah Valley University.
The hearing is intended to determine whether prosecutors have presented sufficient evidence for the aggravated murder charge to proceed to trial.
Robinson has not yet entered a plea in the case, and his defense attorneys have not publicly addressed the allegations regarding his guilt or innocence.
However, the defense has challenged prosecutors’ efforts to seek the death penalty. Attorneys representing Robinson have asked the court to remove capital punishment as a possible sentence, although those efforts have so far been unsuccessful.
If convicted under Utah’s aggravated murder statute, Robinson could face the death penalty.
Additional testimony presented earlier in the hearing came from former university police officer Christopher Bagley, who responded immediately after the shooting.
Bagley testified that he witnessed the attack before making his way to the rooftop investigators believe served as the shooting position.
According to Bagley, evidence at the scene suggested someone had been lying prone while aiming toward the location where Kirk was speaking.
“It looks like a sniper pad,” Bagley told the court while describing the rooftop setup.
Prosecutors intend to continue presenting evidence throughout the hearing to establish both Robinson’s alleged involvement and the level of planning behind the attack.
Among the additional evidence expected is law enforcement video recorded on Sept. 11, the day Robinson surrendered to authorities.
The prosecution also plans to introduce recorded testimony from Robinson’s roommate, who was reportedly his romantic partner at the time.
According to prosecutors, Robinson left behind a handwritten note for the roommate before the shooting. The note allegedly stated, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”
Investigators also allege Robinson sent text messages explaining his motive, writing that he targeted Kirk because he had “had enough of his hatred.”
Prosecutors argue that the alleged messages demonstrate intent and premeditation prior to the shooting.
In addition to digital communications, prosecutors say they will present forensic evidence linking Robinson to the suspected murder weapon.
That evidence is expected to include DNA analysis, autopsy findings, surveillance recordings, and statements from witnesses who were present during the campus event.
The prosecution also contends that the shooting placed numerous bystanders at risk because it occurred while thousands of people were gathered to hear Kirk speak.
Under Utah law, creating a substantial risk of death or serious injury to multiple people during the commission of a murder can qualify as an aggravating factor, potentially making the offense eligible for capital punishment.
As the preliminary hearing continues, the judge will decide whether prosecutors have presented enough evidence to move the aggravated murder case forward to a full trial.
The proceedings are expected to continue with additional witness testimony and forensic evidence as both sides prepare for what is likely to become one of Utah’s most closely watched criminal cases.