Provo, Utah — A Utah judge reacted visibly Monday while examining video evidence during the opening day of a preliminary hearing for the man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
State District Judge Tony Graf flinched and winced at one point as prosecutors played footage of the Sept. 10, 2025, shooting at Utah Valley University in Orem. The video, marked as state’s exhibit 8, played on a private courtroom monitor rather than through the public livestream. After viewing it, Graf stated without further comment, “And that concludes state’s exhibit 8.”
The five-day hearing aims to determine whether prosecutors have enough evidence to bind Tyler Robinson, 23, over for trial on aggravated murder charges. Prosecutors seek the death penalty in the case. Robinson has not entered a plea and remains in custody.
Prosecutors began laying out their case with surveillance videos showing Robinson’s gray Dodge Challenger parked near campus and his movements before and after the shooting. Officers testified about the crime scene, including a rooftop “sniper pad” with elbow, knee, and foot impressions, plus other items recovered nearby. One former university police officer described the chaos after the single rifle shot struck Kirk in the neck as he addressed a crowd.
Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, along with his parents and sister, attended the proceedings. Donald Trump Jr. also sat in the courtroom. Robinson appeared in a gray suit with wrists and ankles shackled, reviewing exhibits and taking notes. His parents were present as well. Some family members on the Kirk side briefly left the room during certain testimony before returning.
Defense attorneys cross-examined witnesses and objected to portions of the evidence, though several objections were overruled. The hearing continues through the week with additional exhibits expected, including DNA analysis and witness statements.
The case has drawn significant public attention since Kirk’s death during a Turning Point USA event. Earlier proceedings addressed pretrial publicity concerns and access to the hearing. Judge Graf has allowed public and media access while limiting how some graphic material reaches livestream audiences.
