PROVO, Utah — The preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, the individual accused in the assassination of Charlie Kirk, began Monday in a Utah courtroom, marking the first direct encounter between Kirk's family and the defendant. This proceeding is anticipated to span a week.
The 23-year-old defendant, Tyler Robinson, was already present in the courtroom when media members were granted entry around 8:55 a.m. Dressed in a gray suit, pink shirt, and black tie, his wrists and ankles were visibly cuffed. During a later segment of the hearing, as videos depicting Kirk's fatal shooting were presented to the judge and legal teams, Robinson displayed no discernible reaction to the sound of the decisive gunshot.
Agent David Hull of the Utah State Bureau of Investigation provided testimony, introducing various video exhibits. These included footage of Kirk’s death, which, while not publicly displayed, was viewed by the presiding judge and legal counsel for both the prosecution and defense. Two specific videos reportedly captured the precise instant a sniper’s bullet impacted Kirk’s neck, with accompanying audio audible to reporters present.
Judge Tony Graf Jr. was observed flinching and recoiling from the screen as the gunshot sounded in one of the videos. In contrast, Robinson maintained his composure and stillness throughout the playback of both clips.
Prior to the exhibition of these videos, Kirk’s family had already departed the courtroom. It was understood they would be given advance notice before any graphic evidence was introduced, leading to their exit on two occasions preceding direct references to the assassination.
Throughout the majority of the remaining hearing, Erika Kirk, accompanied by her in-laws Rob and Kathy Kirk, sat together, observing the legal process intently. They occasionally exchanged glances or looked down. Additional family members in attendance included Erika's sister, Tonya, along with her niece and nephew.
With Kirk’s family again absent from the courtroom, Agent Hull also presented testimony concerning the autopsy report. The report officially classified Kirk’s death as a homicide, specifically caused by a gunshot wound to the neck. During this particular testimony, Robinson’s mother was seen leaning toward her husband, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Among those supporting the Kirks, several prominent figures were observed seated near the front of the courtroom, including Donald Trump Jr., his wife Bettina, and conservative commentators Jack Posobiec and Brandon Tatum.
Robinson’s parents, who typically occupy the front row during proceedings, were positioned in the fourth row on Monday, accompanied by other family members.
First Responder's Account
The initial witness called on Monday was Officer Christopher Bagley, currently serving with the Spanish Fork Police Department. At the time of the incident, he was on duty at Utah Valley University when Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during a Turning Point USA event held on campus on September 10, 2025.
Officer Bagley testified that he perceived the sound of a rifle shot, rather than a pistol, originating from the vicinity of the Losee Center. His conclusion was drawn from observing an empty handgun holster on the ground amidst the initial commotion and noting that the Losee Center rooftop offered an unobstructed vantage point to Kirk’s speaking location.
Upon ascending to the Losee rooftop, Bagley discovered a black and red screwdriver. He also observed impressions in the gravel, which he characterized as resembling a "sniper’s pad."
Bagley further stated that he reviewed surveillance footage depicting the suspect on the rooftop. He identified footprints in the grass where the individual reportedly descended, as well as scuff marks on the roof above those spots. Defense attorney Kathy Nester conducted approximately ten minutes of cross-examination before the lunch recess, during which she inquired whether Bagley’s police report from that day specified the direction from which the shot originated.
Bagley confirmed that his report did not include such a detail. He also stated he had no knowledge regarding the fate of the handgun holster.
Evidentiary Disputes and Future Testimony
When prosecutors intended to present certain Utah Valley University surveillance video, Robinson’s defense counsel raised an objection. Although Judge Graf had largely dismissed their objections throughout the day, he upheld this particular one. The judge ruled that the video, which featured edits such as blurred faces, zoom effects, and red circles, lacked proper authentication and therefore could not be screened.
Prosecutors indicated their intention to provide an unedited version, suggesting the video might be introduced at a later point in the proceedings. Agent Hull was the second of four witnesses the prosecution had scheduled for Monday’s testimony and is slated to continue his testimony Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. MT.
Additional video presented on Monday depicted a vehicle, purportedly belonging to Robinson, arriving at and departing from a residence located near the UVU campus after midnight on September 11. This footage was recorded approximately 12 hours following Charlie Kirk’s murder on September 10.
During the course of the week-long hearing, the court is also anticipated to review a pre-recorded statement from Lance Twiggs, described as Robinson’s former lover. Prosecutors contend that Twiggs received a written confession from Robinson subsequent to the crime.
Robinson has not yet formally entered a plea in the case. Should he be convicted of the most serious charge, aggravated murder, he could potentially face the death penalty.
