A 23-year-old Utah man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk has pleaded not guilty to murder and six other charges, as a judge ruled that prosecutors can seek the death penalty if he is convicted
A 23-year-old Utah man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk has pleaded not guilty to murder and six other charges, as a judge ruled that prosecutors can seek the death penalty if he is convicted.
Tyler Robinson appeared in court in Provo on Tuesday. He is accused of fatally shooting Kirk in the neck while the Turning Point USA co-founder was speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem on September 10, 2025.
According to a BBC report, Robinson has denied aggravated murder, a capital offence in Utah. His defence team had sought to prevent prosecutors from pursuing the death penalty, but prosecutors argued that the circumstances of the shooting justified it.
Kirk’s widow, Erika, and his parents, Robert and Kathryn, attended the hearing.
Prosecutors point to DNA, video evidence
Prosecutors say they have several pieces of evidence linking Robinson to the killing. During a five-day preliminary hearing in July, they presented evidence including DNA allegedly found on the rifle believed to have been used in the shooting and on other items recovered near the crime scene.
Prosecutors also cited alleged statements Robinson made to people close to him.
A recorded interview with his roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs, was played during the July hearing. Twiggs told investigators that Robinson had confessed to the shooting, broke down in tears and said he regretted what he had done.
Prosecutor Ryan McBride told the court that video footage, DNA evidence, alleged admissions and other circumstances together established that Robinson was the shooter.
Prosecutors cite shooting near crowd
The prosecution also argued that the circumstances of the shooting amounted to aggravating factors that could justify the death penalty.
They alleged Robinson fired at Kirk while he was surrounded by other people, including children. Prosecutor Chad Grunander said the accused had put the lives of others at risk by firing into a crowded area.
The defence challenged that argument, pointing out that no one other than Kirk was hit by the gunfire. Defence lawyers have also questioned aspects of the prosecution’s evidence and the qualifications of some experts who testified during the preliminary hearing.
Alleged motive and campus movements
Prosecutors have alleged that Robinson opposed Kirk’s conservative views, particularly his positions on transgender issues, and described those views as deeply objectionable. They have presented this as a possible motive for the killing.
The court also heard that Robinson allegedly visited the university campus several times on the day of the shooting. Prosecutors said he interacted with Turning Point USA members and later returned wearing different clothes.
According to prosecutors, DNA was also found on a screwdriver recovered at the scene, while markings on shell casings allegedly matched a Dremel tool found at the home Robinson shared with Twiggs.
Robinson surrendered to authorities the day after the shooting, accompanied by family members and a neighbour.
Kirk’s family said the ruling allowing the death penalty marked an important step in their pursuit of justice, while acknowledging the lasting impact of his death on his two children.
Robinson is due back in court on October 23, when a trial date is expected to be set.
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