The man accused of fatally shooting conservative commentator Charlie Kirk on the campus of Utah Valley University last year allegedly strolled around the college, ate a meal at Chick-fil-A, and interacted with Kirk’s staff before the incident, according to testimony heard in a recent court hearing. Tyler Robinson. 23, is facing charges in the September 10, 2025, shooting that killed Kirk during a speech.

Surveillance Footage Shows Suspect’s Movements

On the second day of a preliminary hearing, investigators described how Robinson was seen on campus for several hours before the shooting. David Hull. The lead investigator from Utah’s Bureau of Investigation, testified that Robinson was captured in surveillance footage wearing a T-shirt and shorts, walking around the campus and purchasing food at the Chick-fil-A on campus. Hull did not specify what the suspect ordered but confirmed he was there about four hours before the fatal shooting.

Hull also testified that Robinson was seen approaching members of Kirk’s Turning Point USA organization but did not elaborate on the nature of the interactions; he said Robinson left the campus briefly before returning about 90 minutes before the shooting. When he returned, he was reportedly wearing different clothes and walking with a limp.

Footage Shows Suspect on Rooftop After Shooting

According to Hull, surveillance footage also captured Robinson making his way to the Losee Building on campus and then rolling over a railing onto the rooftop. Moments after the fatal shot was fired, the suspect was seen running across the roof, holding an object before dropping it and leaving the campus — Hull said the object appeared to be a rifle, which was later recovered from a wooded area near the university.

The investigator testified that Robinson returned to the campus hours after the shooting and briefly interacted with an officer. Robinson attempted to drive a grey Dodge Challenger onto the campus but left after being spoken to by a police officer. The officer noted the vehicle’s license plate, according to Hull.

Robinson’s defense team, led by attorney Kathy Nester, has challenged the evidence presented so far and sought to exclude certain pieces of evidence from being used in the case. Nester questioned the credibility of the surveillance footage and pointed out that the original videographers were not present to be questioned in court.

Defense Disputes Evidence and Defense Strategy Unfolds

Nester also highlighted inconsistencies in witness accounts. Some witnesses reportedly described a different suspect on the rooftop, and others described a bald man driving a vehicle in the security footage that allegedly belonged to Robinson. The defense also pointed out that another weapon was found on campus on the day of the shooting, and no shell casings were found near a suspected “sniper pad” on the rooftop.

During the hearing, prosecutors presented DNA evidence, including a report from the FBI that found DNA on a screwdriver, rifle, and towel that matched both Robinson and his roommate, Lance Twiggs. The latter has cooperated with investigators. The defense also called FBI forensic analyst Amanda Bakker, who signed the DNA report, and questioned her extensively about testing protocols and potential for error.

The hearing, which is expected to conclude on Friday, will not determine Robinson’s guilt or innocence. Instead, Judge Graf will decide whether there is enough evidence to proceed to a trial. Prosecutors only need to show that there are reasonable grounds to believe Robinson should be tried before a jury. In a typical trial, they would need to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Robinson has not entered a plea and has yet to reveal a clear defense strategy. His legal team has repeatedly objected to evidence and testimony during the first two days of the hearing, raising questions about their approach. The outcome of the hearing will determine whether the case moves forward to trial.