Charlie Kirk murder suspect pleads not guilty as judge allows death penalty trial

Tyler Robinson pleaded not guilty Tuesday to murdering conservative activist Charlie Kirk, but a Utah judge cleared prosecutors to pursue the death penalty.

Robinson, 23, faces an aggravated murder charge, a capital offence in Utah, along with six other counts. Prosecutors allege he shot Kirk in the neck while Kirk spoke at a campus event at Utah Valley University in Orem on Sept. 10, 2025. Kirk, 31, co-founded Turning Point USA.

“

There is a mountain of evidence that proves that he is the shooter.

Prosecutors argued that the case includes aggravating factors because Robinson allegedly fired into a crowd and endangered people who were near Kirk, including children. “He was playing, in effect, a game of ballistic roulette,” prosecutor Chad Grunander told the court. Another prosecutor, Ryan McBride, said the evidence showed Robinson “dressed to kill” on campus.

“

We know that the defendant is the shooter… first, because of the video evidence; second, because of the DNA; third, because of his admissions; and fourth, because of circumstantial evidence.

McBride listed video evidence, DNA allegedly linking Robinson to the murder weapon and other items, alleged admissions to people close to him, and circumstantial evidence. Prosecutors also said Robinson viewed Kirk’s conservative positions, particularly on transgender issues, as “repugnant,” which they presented as a possible motive.

The defence sought to cast doubt on the evidence and downplay the aggravating factors, arguing that only Kirk was shot. Lawyers had also challenged livestream cameras in the courtroom. After a sealed hearing, Judge Graf ruled in favour of transparency in a case that has generated conspiracy theories. Kirk’s widow, Erika, and his parents attended the hearing.

“

He was playing, in effect, a game of ballistic roulette.