Key facts
- Tyler Robinson, 23, pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder and other charges in the death of Charlie Kirk.
- A Utah judge ruled prosecutors can seek the death penalty against Robinson.
- Kirk, 31, was shot on September 10, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University.
- Prosecutors cited aggravating factors, including firing into a crowd with children present, to justify seeking the death penalty.
- The defense contested the prosecution's evidence and argued the shooting did not meet the criteria for a capital offense.
A Utah judge has ruled that Tyler Robinson will stand trial for aggravated murder, allowing prosecutors to pursue the death penalty in the case of the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Judge Tony Graf made the decision after hearing arguments, finding sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial.
Prosecutors allege that Robinson, 23, fired the shot that killed Kirk, 31, on September 10, 2025, while Kirk was speaking at Utah Valley University. Evidence presented by the prosecution included DNA allegedly found on the murder weapon, along with messages and posts Robinson made on Discord. Robinson's defense attorneys, including Staci Visser, have contested the DNA evidence and argued that the state was trying to "shoehorn" the case into Utah’s aggravated murder statute, which requires prosecutors to show a high probability that others could have been killed. Visser argued that Kirk was the sole target and no one else was endangered.
The charge of aggravated murder, which includes endangering others at the event, carries the possibility of the death penalty in Utah. Prosecutors also contend that Robinson targeted Kirk due to his political views, a point the defense has disputed. Supporters of Kirk's organization, Turning Point USA, attended the proceedings but were not allowed to bring signs onto court property.
Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was a prominent figure in mobilizing young voters and supporting President Donald Trump. His widow, Erika Kirk, who has since become CEO and board chair of Turning Point USA, attended the proceedings.