Tyler Robinson to stand trial in Charlie Kirk killing as judge rules on death penalty

WASHINGTON, DC: Tyler Robinson will stand trial for the killing of Charlie Kirk after a Utah judge ruled Tuesday, September 1, that prosecutors had presented enough evidence against the 23-year-old accused assassin. The decision also leaves Robinson facing a possible death sentence if he is convicted.

Robinson pleaded not guilty to all seven charges as Judge Tony Graf ruled that the case could move forward, including the aggravated murder charge that carries the possibility of a death sentence when aggravating factors are proven.

Judge Tony Graf finds enough evidence to put Tyler Robinson on trial

Judge Tony Graf ruled that prosecutors had enough evidence to try Robinson over the September 10, 2025, shooting at Utah Valley University, where Kirk was speaking before a crowd of around 4,000 people.

The charges against Robinson include aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, two counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of tampering with a witness, and a violent offense committed in the presence of a child.

Graf also found enough evidence to support the claim that Robinson put the lives of people in the crowd at risk when he allegedly fired over the heads of thousands of people, including children.

Robinson’s family sat in the front of the Provo courtroom, while Kirk’s parents and widow Erika sat toward the back as attorneys delivered their closing arguments.

The Kirk family said the ruling was “an important step” in their pursuit of justice nearly a year after the 31-year-old conservative activist was killed.

“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.

Prosecutors point to video, DNA and messages as evidence against Tyler Robinson

Prosecutor Ryan McBride told the court there was “a mountain of evidence” showing Robinson was the shooter.

According to prosecutors, Robinson allegedly drove to UVU, took a position on a rooftop and shot Kirk before discussing the killing through text messages with his trans partner Lance Twiggs.

Prosecutors pointed to video evidence, DNA traces on the gun and a screwdriver left at the scene, along with messages allegedly sent to Twiggs.

Twiggs also gave video testimony, claiming Robinson confessed to the shooting through texts and during an emotional conversation in person.

Prosecutors argued that Robinson targeted Kirk because of his conservative political views and his support for traditional relationships and marriage.

McBride also argued that several aggravating factors could make the case eligible for the death penalty.

He said the shooting created a “high probability” of death for bystanders and that Robinson knew children were present.

“In one frame, I was able to find three babies in arms,” McBride said while describing video from the scene.

Tyler Robinson’s attorneys challenge prosecution’s evidence and motive

Robinson’s defense pushed back against the prosecution’s case, arguing that the video and DNA evidence was not as reliable as prosecutors claimed.

His attorneys also disputed the argument that the single rifle shot met the legal standard for creating a “high probability” of death among bystanders.

They further challenged prosecutors’ claims about Robinson’s motive, arguing there was no evidence that his alleged feelings toward Kirk were connected to his personal relationship.

“There’s a gap between what it is Mr. Kirk said and stood for … and what it is Mr. Robinson felt about him,” attorney Richard Novak told the court.

Novak argued that the gap allowed prosecutors to speculate about the reason behind the alleged attack.