Charlie Kirk Murder Suspect Pleads Not Guilty as Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty

Tyler Robinson, 23, pleaded not guilty in a Provo, Utah, court to charges stemming from the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. A judge ruled that prosecutors may seek the death penalty, rejecting a defense request to remove capital punishment from the possible sentences.

Prosecutors argue that aggravating circumstances justify a capital-eligible trial. They say the gunman fired in a crowded place where children were present. The prosecution also presented evidence during preliminary hearings in July that it says connects Robinson to the shooting, including DNA found on the weapon and other objects recovered by investigators.

Prosecutors further cited alleged confessions to people close to Robinson. In a video statement shown in court, his roommate and partner, Lance Twiggs, said Robinson allegedly told him that he had shot Kirk, cried and said he regretted what he had done.

“There is a mountain of evidence proving that he is the shooter,” prosecutors said. They pointed to video footage, DNA evidence, Robinson’s statements and other circumstantial evidence. Investigators allege that Robinson found Kirk’s conservative views, particularly his positions on transgender people, repugnant and that this motivated the attack.

The defense disputed the prosecution’s evidence and sought to reduce the weight given to the aggravating factors. Lawyers emphasized that Kirk was the only person shot and that no other bullet struck people in the crowd. Kirk, 31, co-founded Turning Point USA and was a prominent American conservative activist close to President Donald Trump. He was fatally shot on Sept. 10, 2025, while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

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