Key facts
- Utah prosecutors presented video evidence during a preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, accused of killing Charlie Kirk.
- The video allegedly shows Robinson in a sniper's position on a university building roof.
- Robinson faces aggravated murder charges, and prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty.
- Investigators testified that Robinson was seen investigating building access and interacting with Turning Point representatives on the day of the shooting.
- Charlie Kirk, a co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot on the campus of Utah Valley University.
Utah prosecutors presented video evidence on Tuesday that an investigator claims shows the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk in a sniper's position on a university campus building. The evidence was shown during the second day of a preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, 23, who faces seven criminal charges including aggravated murder, with prosecutors intending to seek the death penalty.
Investigator David Hull testified that the video, recorded as the shot was fired, shows Robinson standing up and moving across the building. Hull identified the person in the video as Robinson. The hearing is the first public test of the prosecution's evidence regarding Kirk's assassination on September 10, an event that has heightened concerns over political violence in the U.S.
Charlie Kirk, a co-founder of Turning Point USA, was known for energizing young voters for Donald Trump's presidential campaign. He was shot while attending a campus debate at Utah Valley University in Orem. Hull also testified that surveillance videos showed Robinson interacting with Turning Point representatives at the university on the day of the shooting and investigating access to the building from which the shot was fired.
Prosecutors aim to establish that Robinson fired the single shot that killed Kirk. They are expected to present further evidence, including surveillance video, statements Robinson made to friends and relatives, and DNA tests linking him to the alleged murder weapon. Robinson surrendered to police the day after the shooting and has not yet entered a plea. His lawyers have not yet commented on his guilt or innocence.