A Utah judge appeared visibly shaken after prosecutors played previously unseen video of the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk during a preliminary hearing in Provo. Utah State District Judge Tony Graf was seen wincing as the courtroom fell silent while the graphic footage was shown. Prosecutors are seeking to convince the judge that there is sufficient evidence for the case against 23-year-old Tyler Robinson to proceed to trial. Robinson faces seven charges, including aggravated murder and obstruction of justice, in connection with the September 10, 2025, shooting of Kirk, who was fatally shot in the neck while speaking at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. He has not yet entered a plea.
During the five-day hearing, prosecutors are expected to present extensive evidence, including surveillance footage they say shows Robinson on campus before and after the shooting, DNA evidence linked to the rifle investigators believe was used, a recorded statement from Robinson’s roommate, and a handwritten note that allegedly states, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it.” They also claim Robinson confessed in messages exchanged with his partner, Lance Twiggs, which are expected to be introduced as evidence. Defense attorneys, however, argue that ballistics testing did not conclusively match a bullet fragment recovered from Kirk’s body to the rifle prosecutors allege was used in the attack.
The emotional hearing was attended by Kirk’s widow, Erika, his parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk, and Donald Trump Jr. Erika Kirk reportedly became overwhelmed with emotion as testimony described the shooting, leaving the courtroom before later returning while being comforted by family members. Robinson’s parents were also present, seated several rows behind the Kirk family, and reports indicated Robinson was seen laughing at one point during the proceedings. If Judge Graf finds probable cause, Robinson will be formally arraigned before the case moves toward trial. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty if he is convicted. Ahead of the hearing, Kirk’s family released a statement describing the profound pain of reliving his death in court, thanking supporters for their prayers and kindness while asking for privacy as the legal process continues.