Utah Judge to Decide Probable Cause in Murder Case of Charlie Kirk

A Utah district judge is set to hear oral arguments at 10 a.m. on Tuesday in Provo to decide if probable cause exists for a murder trial of 23-year-old Tyler Robinson, who is charged with killing activist Charlie Kirk in September 2025. The hearing follows months of pre-trial motions, and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

Robinson is charged with aggravated murder and six additional counts, including tampering with a witness. He has not yet entered a plea. His attorneys have asked the court to bar video recordings and live broadcast of the proceedings, arguing that media coverage could prejudice potential jurors.

Kirk was shot during a rally at Utah Valley University that drew about 3,000 attendees. Police say video evidence shows Robinson moving around the campus after the shooting and that he mentioned retrieving his rifle in messages to his then-roommate. Investigators recovered a Mauser .30-06 bolt-action rifle believed to be the weapon used.

Prosecutors contend that Robinson left a note for his roommate and that a relative reported the suspect had confessed or implied responsibility. They also argue that evidence, including bullet casings bearing an anti-fascist slogan, supports a victim-targeting enhancement, which could justify the death penalty if Robinson is convicted.

Robinson’s defense maintains that only a single bullet was fired and that the crowd was not placed at risk, noting the shot was fired from a rooftop about 150 yards from the courtyard where Kirk was standing.