A former campus police officer testified Monday that he found what appeared to be a sniper’s position on a rooftop with a direct line of sight to the spot where conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot, as prosecutors work to convince a judge that Tyler Robinson should face trial for murder.
Christopher Bagley, who previously served as a police officer at Utah Valley University, told the court during a preliminary hearing that he witnessed Kirk’s death on Sept. 10, 2025, while the activist addressed a crowd of thousands in Utah. Shortly after the gunfire, Bagley said he searched a nearby gravel-covered rooftop and discovered impressions consistent with someone lying prone, including marks from elbows, knees, and feet. “It looks like a sniper pad,” he testified.
Bagley’s testimony came on the first day of a five-day preliminary hearing for Robinson, a 23-year-old Utah man charged with aggravated murder in connection with Kirk’s assassination. Kirk was the co-founder of Turning Point USA, a prominent conservative organization. Prosecutors in Utah are seeking the death penalty and must demonstrate that there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, along with his parents Kathryn and Robert Kirk, attended the hearing. Donald Trump Jr., the son of the former president, was also present in the courtroom. Robinson’s parents sat several rows behind the Kirk family.
The preliminary hearing is expected to provide the most detailed public account of the evidence so far. Surveillance footage was played showing Robinson’s movements on the day of the assassination and afterward. If the judge finds probable cause following the hearing, Robinson will be required to stand trial on the aggravated murder charge.
This case has drawn significant attention, with many closely watching the legal proceedings. For more on the defense strategy, read our earlier report on how Robinson’s attorney suggests he may avoid trial. Additionally, Utah prosecutors have been laying out their case in detail, as covered in our story on the murder case against Robinson.
The hearing continues this week, with additional witnesses and evidence expected to be presented. The outcome will determine whether Robinson faces a full trial for the murder of Charlie Kirk.
