A 23-year-old Utah man, Tyler Robinson, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, while a judge has ruled that prosecutors may seek the death penalty if the case goes to trial.
Robinson denies aggravated murder, a capital offense in Utah, along with six other charges stemming from the shooting of Kirk at a campus event on September 10, 2025.
Defense attorneys had sought to remove the death penalty as a possible punishment, but prosecutors argued that aggravating circumstances, including allegedly firing into a crowd where children were present, justified pursuing a capital case.
Kirk, 31, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem. He was credited with helping mobilize young voters in support of President Donald Trump.
Robinson appeared in court Tuesday in Provo wearing a gray suit and consulting periodically with his attorneys. Kirk’s widow, Erika, and his parents, Robert and Kathryn, were also present.
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In a statement afterward, the Kirk family said the judge’s decision “marks an important step” in their pursuit of justice.
“Every step in this process carries the weight of all that Charlie’s murder has taken from his family, especially his children who will grow up without their father,” the family said.
The ruling followed a five-day preliminary hearing held in July, during which prosecutors presented evidence they said established probable cause for the case to proceed to trial.
Among the evidence cited were DNA allegedly linking Robinson to the murder weapon and other items recovered at the scene, alleged admissions to people close to him, and a recorded video statement from his roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs.
Prosecutor Ryan McBride told the court that there was extensive evidence identifying Robinson as the alleged shooter, citing video footage, DNA evidence, alleged admissions and circumstantial evidence.
Prosecutors also alleged that Robinson, a former apprentice electrician, opposed Kirk’s conservative views, particularly his positions on transgender issues, and described those views as “repugnant.” They have presented this as a possible motive.
On Tuesday, prosecutors further outlined what they described as aggravating circumstances, accusing Robinson of “gambling with the lives of others” by allegedly firing toward Kirk while he was surrounded by other people.
Robinson has pleaded not guilty, and the allegations against him have not been proven in court.
