Prosecutors Present Videos and Testimony in Utah Hearing on Kirk Shooting

Prosecutors on Monday presented graphic videos of the shooting and testimony from a police officer who witnessed the incident and later found what he described as a sniper's nest on a Utah Valley University building roof. The hearing is determining whether there is enough evidence to send Tyler Robinson, 23, to trial on an aggravated murder charge that carries the death penalty.

Robinson has not entered a plea.

Three videos recorded by audience members and event organizers showed Kirk being struck by a single bullet while seated under a white tent during a student forum. The judge restricted courtroom recording of the videos but allowed the audio, which captured screams and chaos after the shot.

A former Utah Valley University police officer testified that he heard the gunshot, saw Kirk fall, and later discovered disturbed gravel on the roof consistent with a prone firing position aimed at the tent. The officer said he had watched Kirk arrive and begin answering student questions before the shot.

The medical examiner's report concluded the death was a homicide caused by a gunshot wound to the neck, according to Sgt. David Hull of the Utah State Bureau of Investigations.

Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, who now leads Turning Point USA, attended with Kirk's parents, Robert and Katheryn Kirk. Donald Trump Jr. was also present. They sat across the courtroom from Robinson, who was shackled at the ankles and wearing a grey suit.

Erika Kirk left the courtroom abruptly when the officer described witnessing the shooting. At least a dozen uniformed officers guarded the proceedings, with two in SWAT gear positioned behind the judge.

Prosecutors said they will introduce a recorded statement from Robinson's romantic partner, Lance Twiggs, in which Robinson allegedly confessed. They also plan to present photos of the rifle, DNA evidence linking the weapon and ammunition to Robinson, and 16 hours of surveillance footage showing Robinson or his gray Dodge Challenger making four visits to the campus on the day of the shooting and the following morning.