Defense Seeks to Shield Charlie Kirk’s Killer from Justice, Downplays Threat to Public
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Attorneys for Tyler Robinson, accused of murdering conservative activist Charlie Kirk, argue against the death penalty, minimizing the danger posed and dismissing evidence of political motivation.
Attorneys for Tyler Robinson, the man charged with the cold-blooded killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a Utah Valley University event in September 2023, have filed a brief attempting to block the death penalty. The defense claims the bullet traveled above the crowd, insisting that no one else was endangered, despite the reckless nature of the attack—a technicality they argue should prevent this from being treated as a capital crime under Utah law.
'The only evidence presented supports that the bullet traveled above, not through, the crowd,' the defense wrote, focusing on semantics rather than the real danger Robinson posed to innocent bystanders.
Robinson’s lawyers also dispute prosecutors’ assertion that the murder was politically motivated. Prosecutors cite a statement Robinson allegedly made to his roommate about being fed up with Kirk’s 'hatred,' but the defense dismisses this, pointing to a lack of additional evidence from searches of Robinson’s apartment, computers, and phone. This ignores the clear animosity toward Kirk’s conservative views that could have fueled the attack.
Prosecutors have presented DNA evidence linking Robinson to the suspected weapon and describe the case as supported by 'overwhelming' proof, including statements they interpret as confessions. The defense, however, attempts to cast doubt on the reliability of this evidence, yet offers no alternative explanation for the shooting.
Robinson has not yet entered a plea and turned himself in the day after the killing. A prior request to remove the death penalty was denied by State District Judge Tony Graf, even after prosecutors were found in contempt for speaking to the media. Prosecutors have until Aug. 18 to respond to the latest defense arguments.
The case will move to a preliminary hearing on Sept. 1, after which Judge Graf will decide whether it proceeds to trial and what charges will be filed. Kirk’s family, seeking justice for the senseless loss, has called for a prompt decision so the case can advance.