Utah suspect allegedly bought Chick-fil-A meal before rooftop shooting of Charlie Kirk, prosecutors say

Utah State Bureau of Investigation agents said the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk arrived at Utah Valley University in casual attire, purchased a meal at a Chick-fil-A restaurant and interacted with Kirk’s staff before returning in different clothing to fire a rifle from a rooftop.

During a preliminary hearing, prosecutors showed previously unseen campus surveillance footage that appears to show the suspect climbing over a railing, crouching on the roof and running to a position overlooking the speaker’s podium before the shots were fired. After the attack, the video shows the suspect descending the roof and fleeing on foot, investigators said.

State agents later recovered a bolt-action rifle wrapped in a towel in nearby woods, along with a screwdriver found on the rooftop. DNA analysis matched the towel and screwdriver to the suspect’s roommate, and the FBI identified the suspect as a possible contributor of the DNA.

Former university police officer Christopher Bagley testified that he observed the shooting and later found a prone figure on the roof that resembled a sniper’s position.

Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty, arguing that the shooting endangered other attendees, an aggravating factor under Utah law. The defense has objected to several pieces of evidence, but most objections were overruled by Judge Tony Graf.

The hearing marked the first appearance of Kirk’s parents and widow in court, as well as the suspect’s parents. Both families briefly left the courtroom when graphic video evidence was shown.

The case now moves toward a trial, where prosecutors must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt after establishing sufficient grounds at this preliminary stage.