A Utah judge appeared visibly shaken after prosecutors played previously unseen video of the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk during a preliminary hearing this week.
Utah State District Judge Tony Graf was seen wincing as the courtroom fell silent while the graphic footage was shown during the five-day hearing in Provo. Prosecutors are trying to convince the judge that there is enough evidence for the case against 23-year-old Tyler Robinson to move forward to trial.
Robinson has been charged with seven crimes, including aggravated murder and obstruction of justice, in connection with Kirk’s death. He has not yet entered a plea.
Fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk
Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck while speaking at a Turning Point USA rally at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.
Prosecutors are expected to present a large amount of evidence during the hearing, including three graphic exhibits related to the shooting. They also plan to introduce surveillance footage they say shows Robinson at Utah Valley University before and after Kirk was killed, DNA evidence connected to the rifle investigators believe was used in the shooting, a recorded statement from Robinson’s roommate, and a handwritten note that allegedly reads: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it.”
According to prosecutors, Robinson also confessed to the shooting in messages exchanged with his partner, Lance Twiggs. Those messages are expected to be introduced as evidence during the proceedings.
Defense attorneys, meanwhile, are expected to argue that ballistics testing failed to conclusively match a bullet fragment recovered from Kirk’s body to the rifle prosecutors allege was used in the killing.
Tyler Robinson could face the death penalty
Kirk’s widow, Erika, attended the hearing wearing black alongside his parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk. According to reports, the 37-year-old struggled to hold back tears throughout the proceedings.
When prosecutors began describing the moments surrounding Kirk’s death, Erika Kirk became emotional and left the courtroom as a police officer testified about the shooting. She was later seen wiping away tears with a handkerchief and leaning on Kathryn Kirk’s shoulder as prosecutors continued presenting their case.
Donald Trump Jr. was also present for the hearing. According to The Associated Press, Robinson’s parents were seated several rows behind the Kirk family.
The Daily Mail reported that Robinson was seen laughing at one point during the proceedings.
If Judge Graf determines there is probable cause, Robinson could formally enter a plea during an arraignment that may be held the same day before the case moves toward trial. If convicted, Robinson could face the death penalty, which prosecutors are seeking.
Kirk’s family released a statement
Ahead of the hearing, Kirk’s family released a joint statement describing the emotional toll of reliving his death in court.
“Charlie was a beloved husband, son, brother, friend, and father,” they said, according to VT. “Every court proceeding serves as a painful reminder of his death and the loss that has irrevocably impacted our lives and the lives of his children.”
“We remain deeply grateful for the support, prayers, and kindness we have received. This outpouring has sustained us during the darkest days of our lives. Out of respect for the judicial process, we will not be commenting further at this time,” they added.
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