A man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk was seen wandering Utah Valley University’s campus shortly before the incident. According to Utah State Bureau of Investigation Agent David Hull, Tyler Robinson was dressed casually in shorts and a T-shirt, purchased food at Chick-fil-A, and interacted with Kirk’s staff. He later changed clothes and shot Kirk from a rooftop. Hull testified about Robinson’s movements in state court on Tuesday as prosecutors presented campus surveillance videos.

The court reviewed footage of Robinson moving towards the rooftop before the shooting. Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, was visibly emotional during this testimony. Prosecutors aim to pursue the death penalty and are working to convince Judge Tony Graf to move forward with an aggravated murder trial for Robinson, who has not yet entered a plea. His defense has contested the death penalty without success.

One of the videos displays Robinson climbing a railing to reach a rooftop. He then runs to a vantage point overlooking Kirk’s location, Hull explained. After the shooting, Robinson reportedly flees the scene. Investigators later discovered the alleged murder weapon, a bolt-action rifle with a spent round, wrapped in a towel in nearby woods. Robinson was again spotted in the campus area later that night.

This preliminary hearing is a key moment in the case, providing a substantial amount of evidence. Authorities claim that Robinson, 23, shot Kirk on September 10 while Charlie Kirk was addressing a large audience. Former university police Officer Christopher Bagley testified to witnessing the shooting and finding evidence suggesting someone had used the rooftop as a vantage point.

Prosecutors also plan to present video evidence from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office from September 11, the day Robinson surrendered, along with recorded testimony from Robinson’s roommate. The judge had previously ruled that the roommate did not need to testify in person.

Prosecutors allege that Robinson confessed to his roommate in a note, claiming his intent to attack Kirk. The note cited Kirk’s alleged hatred as the motive. Prosecutors also intend to link Robinson to the murder weapon through DNA evidence and witness statements.

Kirk’s family has attended the hearings, enduring painful memories of his death. Kathryn and Robert Kirk, along with Erika Kirk, have been present for these proceedings. During the sessions, graphic evidence prompted Kirk’s family to leave the courtroom briefly. A statement from Kirk’s parents described the court process as a continual reminder of their loss.

While the prosecution presents its case, the defense challenges pieces of evidence, often overruled by the judge. Spectators, including Utah County residents Denae Branch and Jean Rivera, expressed their ongoing trauma from the event, recounting their presence during the shooting and the impact it had on their lives.