US4 min(s) read
Published 13:59 07 Jul 2026 GMT
A judge overseeing the preliminary hearing of Tyler Robinson, the man accused of murdering Charlie Kirk, appeared visibly disturbed after unseen footage of the fatal shooting was played in court.
The 31-year-old was fatally shot in the neck while speaking at a Turning Point USA rally at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.
Robinson, 23, was arrested days later and now faces seven criminal charges, including aggravated murder and obstruction of justice. He has not yet entered a plea.
Utah State District Judge Tony Graf was seen wincing as the courtroom in Provo sat in silence while prosecutors presented video of the shooting that claimed the life of the right-wing activist.
The graphic footage was shown during Robinson's five-day preliminary hearing, where prosecutors are attempting to convince Graf that there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
Kirk's widow, Erika, attended the hearing dressed in black alongside his parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk.
According to reports, the 37-year-old struggled to hold back tears throughout the proceedings.
As prosecutors began recounting the events surrounding her husband's death, she became overwhelmed with emotion and left the courtroom while a police officer described how Kirk was shot.
She was also seen wiping away tears with a handkerchief and leaning on Kathryn Kirk's shoulder for support as prosecutors outlined their case.
Donald Trump Jr. also attended the hearing, while The Associated Press reported that Robinson's parents were seated a few rows behind the Kirk family.
The Daily Mail also reported that Robinson was seen laughing at one point during the proceedings.
If Judge Graf finds probable cause, Robinson could enter a plea during an arraignment that may take place the same day before the case proceeds to trial.
Prosecutors are expected to present extensive evidence, including three graphic exhibits from the shooting.
They also plan to introduce footage they allege shows Robinson at Utah Valley University before and after Kirk was shot, DNA evidence from the rifle police say was used in the killing, a recorded statement from Robinson's roommate, and a handwritten note reading: "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it."
Prosecutors have further alleged that the suspect confessed to the shooting in messages exchanged with his partner, Lance Twiggs. Those messages are also expected to be introduced as evidence.
Meanwhile, defense attorneys are expected to point to ballistics testing that proved inconclusive in matching a bullet fragment recovered from Kirk's body to the alleged murder weapon.
If convicted, Robinson could face the death penalty, which prosecutors are seeking.
Before the hearing, the conservative activist's family released a joint statement reflecting on the pain of reliving his death through the court proceedings.
"Charlie was a beloved husband, son, brother, friend, and father," they said. "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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