New surveillance footage has been introduced in court as prosecutors continue building their case against Tyler Robinson, the 23-year-old accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September 2025.
The video, shown during the second day of Robinson’s preliminary hearing in Utah, allegedly captures a man prosecutors identify as the suspect running across a rooftop moments after the shooting.
The footage also appears to show the individual jumping from the roof while carrying an unidentified object.
The hearing will continue throughout the week as the court decides whether prosecutors have presented enough evidence for the case to move forward to a full trial.
Robinson Faces Aggravated Murder Charge
Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder and several related offences in connection with Kirk’s death.
Prosecutors are pursuing the death penalty if he is ultimately convicted.
He has not yet entered a plea, while his legal team continues to challenge significant portions of the prosecution’s evidence, particularly the surveillance videos shown in court.
Investigators Describe Suspect’s Movements Before the Shooting
David Hull, the lead investigator with Utah’s State Bureau of Investigation, guided the court through the surveillance recordings presented on Tuesday.
According to Hull, the footage shows a man believed to be Robinson appearing twice inside a campus parking garage on the day of the attack.
Investigators testified that the man first appeared wearing a maroon shirt with gray or olive-colored shorts.
Later, shortly before the fatal shooting, the same individual allegedly returned wearing different clothing and appeared to be walking with a noticeable limp.
Hull also testified that surveillance cameras tracked the suspect moving toward the university‘s Losee Building before climbing over a railing and accessing the rooftop.
Footage Allegedly Captures Escape After Gunfire
Prosecutors say the surveillance recordings document the suspect’s movements immediately after the fatal shot was fired.
Hull testified that the same individual was seen sprinting across the rooftop before dropping to a lower level while holding an object that has not been publicly identified.
Investigators allege the suspect then left the university campus.
The prosecution argues the footage supports its timeline of events surrounding Kirk’s killing.
Police Contacted Robinson During Overnight Manhunt
Investigators also revealed that police encountered Robinson only hours after the shooting.
Hull testified that in the early morning of September 11, while authorities were actively searching for Kirk’s killer, an officer near the university stopped and spoke with Robinson, recording his vehicle’s licence plate during the encounter.
Widow Watches Proceedings as Hearing Continues
Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, returned to the courtroom for the second consecutive day of proceedings.
Reports indicate this marks the first time she has come face-to-face with the man accused of killing her husband.
The preliminary hearing is expected to continue through Friday.
Defence Challenges Evidence and Death Penalty Bid
Robinson’s attorneys, led by Kathy Nester, have mounted an aggressive challenge to the prosecution’s case before trial.
The defence is seeking to exclude portions of the surveillance footage and other evidence, arguing that some of the recordings were edited and that the individuals who originally captured the footage have not testified in court.
Lawyers have also objected to certain witness testimony, citing hearsay concerns.
In addition, the defence has asked the court to remove the possibility of the death penalty, though prosecutors continue to pursue capital punishment.
The legal team also unsuccessfully attempted to prevent cameras from broadcasting the hearing, which is being live-streamed.
Judge to Decide Whether Trial Will Proceed
Some evidence presented on Monday, including graphic video showing Kirk’s fatal shooting, was viewed only by the judge and attorneys rather than being shown publicly.
The preliminary hearing is not intended to determine Robinson’s guilt or innocence.
Instead, Judge Graf will decide whether prosecutors have presented sufficient evidence to establish probable cause and send the case to trial.
