Charlie Kirk’s family was overcome with emotion Friday as prosecutors played an enhanced surveillance video showing the moments leading up to the conservative activist’s assassination.
The footage was shown during the fifth day of Tyler Robinson’s preliminary hearing in Provo, Utah, where prosecutors are trying to convince a judge there is enough evidence to send the case to trial.
Robinson, 23, is accused of fatally shooting Kirk during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025.
The courtroom fell silent as the video played.
Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, and his mother, Kathy Kirk, cried and leaned into one another while seated with family, friends and supporters.
The two women hugged and held tissues as the footage was shown.
Kathy Kirk later turned to embrace her husband, Robert Kirk, with a tissue held to her face.
Erika Kirk’s sister, Tonya, reached over and placed a hand on her back to comfort her.
At one point, an investigator seated with the family retrieved a trash can for used tissues.
Kirk’s parents later left the courtroom after the gut-wrenching moment.
Prosecutors said the surveillance footage showed Robinson on the rooftop before Kirk was shot.
Robinson did not appear to watch the video.
The monitor at his table was turned off, and he appeared to look down and straight ahead rather than toward the courtroom screen.
Earlier Friday, Judge Tony Graf sanctioned media members after an exhibit was inadvertently shown and broadcast during Thursday’s proceedings.
Graf said he did not want to “rush or make snap decisions” before ruling that no further exhibits would be shown for the rest of the day.
The final video compilation was later allowed as an exception.
The preliminary hearing has now ended.
The next step is for Graf to determine whether prosecutors have presented enough evidence to move the case to trial.
Robinson has not yet entered a plea.
He faces aggravated murder and other felony charges in Kirk’s killing.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty if Robinson is convicted.
During the weeklong hearing, prosecutors presented surveillance footage, forensic evidence, DNA testimony and statements connected to Robinson’s former roommate and romantic partner.
The defense challenged key pieces of the state’s case, including DNA and ballistics evidence.
But Friday’s video brought the case back to the moment that shattered Kirk’s family and stunned the conservative movement.
For the Kirks, the hearing was not just about evidence.
It was another brutal reminder of the day their son, husband and father was killed in front of a crowd.
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