Tyler Robinson Allegedly Ate Chick-fil-A and Interacted With Charlie Kirk’s Staff Before Shooting, Court Hears
Utah Valley University campus surveillance videos and testimony from investigators revealed that Tyler Robinson, the man charged with fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk, bought a meal at Chick-fil-A and interacted with Kirk’s staff before the shooting, according to a preliminary hearing in Provo, Utah. During his time on campus, Robinson allegedly made contact with individuals associated with Kirk, then returned later in different clothing to carry out the attack from a rooftop.
Hull described Robinson’s movements as prosecutors played previously unseen surveillance footage. The video showed Robinson crossing a railing onto a rooftop, crouching down, and running to a position with a clear line of sight to Kirk’s location. After the shooting, Robinson fled the scene, according to Hull’s testimony. Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s spouse, was seen crying and dabbing her eyes during the court’s viewing of the footage.
Prosecutors have indicated they intend to seek the death penalty for Robinson, 23, who has not entered a plea. His defense team, led by attorney Kathy Nester, has sought to exclude key evidence and has pushed to remove the death penalty from consideration, though these efforts have so far been unsuccessful.
Defense Challenges Evidence, Questions Witness Accounts
Robinson’s defense team has repeatedly objected to evidence and testimony during the preliminary hearing, aiming to discredit the prosecution’s case. Nester questioned witnesses about the reliability of surveillance footage, noting that the original filmmakers were not called to testify. She also highlighted conflicting accounts of the suspect’s appearance, including claims that some witnesses described a “different suspect” on the rooftop and that a “bald man” was seen driving the vehicle allegedly linked to Robinson in security footage.
Hull testified that investigators found a bolt-action rifle wrapped in a towel in nearby woods after the shooting, along with one spent shell casing. However, no shell casings were recovered near a gravel area that appeared to be a “sniper pad,” where another officer noted an impression suggesting a shooter had been lying prone. Former university police Officer Christopher Bagley, who witnessed the shooting, described the site as resembling a sniper’s position.
The defense has also questioned the admissibility of evidence, including the reliability of DNA analysis and the handling of physical items. These objections have shed light on the defense’s strategy, which remains unclear since Robinson’s arrest.
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DNA Evidence Links Roommate and Suspect to Crime Scene Items
Prosecutors presented DNA evidence from a towel and a screwdriver recovered at the scene. Jennifer Faumuina, a sergeant with the Utah State Bureau of Investigation, testified that DNA found on the towel matched two individuals, including Robinson’s roommate, Lance Twiggs, who has cooperated with police. FBI DNA analyst Amanda Bakker, who reviewed the evidence, stated that Robinson was a “possible contributor” to the DNA on both the towel and the screwdriver. She noted that the FBI does not use terms like “absolute identification” or “reasonable degree of scientific certainty” in its reports.
Bakker testified that her lab follows strict accreditation standards, including trained examiners and proficiency testing. She acknowledged that DNA degrades over time but said the degradation did not affect the accuracy of the tests. The defense cross-examined Bakker on her qualifications and the nuances of DNA analysis, emphasizing the potential for interpretation errors.
Prosecutors also plan to introduce video from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office showing Robinson’s arrest on Sept. 11 and recorded testimony from his roommate, further detailing the suspect’s alleged actions.
Preliminary Hearing Sets Stage for Potential Trial
The preliminary hearing, which will conclude on Friday, is not a trial but a legal step to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to a jury trial. Prosecutors must demonstrate “reasonable grounds” to believe Robinson should be tried, a lower standard than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” required in a full trial. Judge Tony Graf will review the evidence and decide whether the case moves forward.
Robinson’s defense team has argued that the prosecution’s evidence is flawed, including claims that surveillance footage was edited and that key witnesses were unavailable. However, the prosecution has presented video of Robinson on the rooftop, the recovered murder weapon, and DNA links to the crime scene.
The case has drawn significant attention due to Kirk’s status as a prominent conservative figure and ally of President Trump. The outcome of the preliminary hearing will determine whether Robinson faces a jury trial, where the death penalty could be sought if convicted of aggravated murder.
