A judge decided on Tuesday that Tyler Robinson, who is accused of fatally shooting well-known U.S. conservative activist Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah last year, will proceed to trial on murder charges that could result in the death penalty.
During a hearing, Utah District Court Judge Tony Graf ruled in favor of prosecutors who presented what they described as substantial evidence supporting a capital trial for Robinson, aged 23, in connection with the killing of Kirk, a key figure in U.S. conservative circles. Robinson’s defense team contended that the shooting did not meet the criteria for a death penalty charge.
Following the probable cause ruling, an arraignment will be scheduled with Robinson yet to enter a plea. Utah County prosecutors accused Robinson, a former apprentice electrician, of firing the fatal shot that claimed the life of Kirk, aged 31, while he was engaged in one of his signature campus debates that contributed to his national prominence.
Robinson faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder for putting others in danger at the event, a charge that carries the death penalty in Utah.
According to Utah County prosecutor Ryan McBride, Robinson was captured on video assuming a sniper position at Utah Valley University in Orem on September 10, 2025, before shooting Kirk. McBride showcased images indicating that Robinson posed a significant risk to the lives of others, as Kirk’s security detail was in close proximity when the shooting occurred. McBride highlighted that the four rounds in Robinson’s rifle suggested he was prepared to fire additional shots, further jeopardizing bystanders.
In contrast, defense attorney Staci Visser argued that the shooting only endangered Kirk and did not meet the criteria for aggravated murder as it did not pose a threat to anyone else. Visser emphasized that Robinson did not interact with others or reload the weapon but simply fired a single shot before fleeing the scene.
During the hearing, prosecutors cited DNA test results linking Robinson to the alleged murder weapon, a claim that defense lawyer Michael Burt questioned regarding its reliability. McBride alleged that Robinson, who was romantically involved with his roommate Lance Twiggs, targeted Kirk due to his views on same-sex marriage and transgender rights, potentially strengthening the prosecution’s case for the death penalty.
Defense attorney Richard Novak raised doubts about the interpretation of Robinson’s text message referencing “hate,” suggesting it did not necessarily indicate opposition to Kirk’s political views.
Among those present in the crowded courtroom were Kirk’s parents, Robert and Kathryn, and his wife, Erika, who has assumed leadership of her late husband’s conservative youth organization. Kirk, a co-founder of the Turning Point USA organization, played a significant role in rallying young voters behind former U.S. President Donald Trump’s 2024 re-election campaign.
The killing of Kirk, captured in a widely circulated cellphone video, is part of a series of attacks on U.S. political figures in recent years that have sparked discussions on political violence in a deeply divided nation. At a memorial service following Kirk’s death, Erika Kirk publicly forgave the alleged shooter but has not commented on the death penalty aspect of the case.
