A 23-year-old Utah man has pleaded not guilty to the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk – as a judge ruled prosecutors can seek the death penalty at trial.
Tyler Robinson denies aggravated murder, a capital offence in Utah, and six other charges in connection with the shooting of Kirk at a campus event on 10 September 2025.
Defense lawyers had tried to have the death penalty taken off the table, but prosecutors argued that aggravating factors, such as firing into a crowd in the presence of children, warranted a capital trial.
Turning Point USA co-founder Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem.
The defendant, wearing a grey suit and occasionally consulting with his lawyers, appeared in court in the city of Provo on Tuesday.
Kirk’s widow, Erika, the mother of their two children, and his parents, Robert and Kathryn, were also at the hearing.
In a statement shared afterwards, the Kirk family said the judge’s decision “marks an important step” in their “pursuit of justice”.
The defendant, wearing a grey suit and occasionally consulting with his lawyers, appeared in court in the city of Provo on Tuesday.
Kirk’s widow, Erika, the mother of their two children, and his parents, Robert and Kathryn, were also at the hearing.
In a statement shared afterwards, the Kirk family said the judge’s decision “marks an important step” in their “pursuit of justice”.
On Tuesday, prosecutors also outlined “aggravating” factors – accusing the defendant of “gambling with the lives of others” when he allegedly fired towards Kirk, who was surrounded by other people.
“He was playing, in effect, a game of ballistic roulette,” prosecutor Chad Grunander said.
“It’s been 356 days since Tyler Robinson assassinated Charlie Kirk,” Grunander added. “It’s time for him, the defendant, to be bound over for trial and arraigned. Today.”
Defence lawyers attempted to sow doubt about the prosecution’s evidence.
During July’s hearing, they raised questions about procedure and the credentials of experts who testified. Robinson’s lawyers have repeatedly objected to cameras livestreaming court proceedings.
Judge Tony Graf again listened to arguments on the issue during a sealed hearing on Tuesday morning before closing arguments began – but he ruled in favour of transparency in a case that has sparked conspiracy theories.
On Tuesday, the defence sought to downplay the aggravating factors outlined by prosecutors – arguing that no bullets hit anyone in the crowd apart from Kirk.
The court heard and saw during July’s hearing how the accused allegedly scouted the campus repeatedly on the day Kirk was shot – interacting with TPUSA members and eating Chick-fil-A before returning in different clothes.
The court heard and saw during July’s hearing how the accused allegedly scouted the campus repeatedly on the day Kirk was shot – interacting with TPUSA members and eating Chick-fil-A before returning in different clothes.
Source: BBC
