Court testimony revealed chilling details of how a 23-year-old man allegedly stalked conservative activist Charlie Kirk for hours at Utah Valley University before shooting him from a rooftop in September, with prosecutors presenting previously unseen surveillance footage showing the suspect’s calculated movements throughout campus.

Four Hours of Surveillance Before Attack

Utah State Bureau of Investigation Agent David Hull testified that Tyler Robinson first arrived at the Provo campus approximately four hours before Kirk’s death. Surveillance videos showed Robinson dressed casually in shorts and a T-shirt, purchasing food at Chick-fil-A and making contact with Kirk’s staff. He later returned wearing different clothes before allegedly carrying out the shooting that killed the prominent conservative figure who was speaking to thousands.

The court viewed footage showing Robinson climbing over a railing onto a rooftop, crouching and running to a position overlooking Kirk’s speaking location. After the shooting, videos captured him fleeing back across the roof, dropping to the ground and escaping on foot. Former campus police Officer Christopher Bagley described finding what appeared to be a sniper position on the gravel rooftop with a clear sightline to Kirk’s location.

Physical Evidence and Confession

Investigators recovered a bolt-action rifle with one spent round wrapped in a towel in nearby woods. DNA evidence allegedly links Robinson to the suspected murder weapon, according to prosecutors. A police officer spotted Robinson again in the campus area later that night, Hull testified. Authorities say Robinson left a note for his roommate and romantic partner stating he had the opportunity to target Kirk and intended to take it.

Text messages reportedly showed Robinson told his roommate he targeted Kirk because he had enough of his hatred. Robinson has not entered a plea, and his attorneys have not commented on his guilt or innocence. They have unsuccessfully attempted to remove the death penalty as a possible punishment.

Death Penalty Case Moves Forward

Prosecutors are seeking capital punishment in this aggravated murder case, arguing the September 10 shooting endangered others attending Kirk’s campus event, an aggravating circumstance under Utah law. This week’s preliminary hearing represents the most significant evidence presentation to date as prosecutors work to convince Judge Tony Graf they have sufficient grounds to bring Robinson to trial. Additional evidence including autopsy findings, witness statements, and recorded testimony from Robinson’s roommate will be presented as the hearing continues.