Utah judge orders aggravated murder trial for man accused of killing activist Charlie Kirk

A Utah district judge on Tuesday approved a trial on aggravated murder charges against 23-year-old Tyler Robinson, the man accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University last September. Robinson, who pleaded not guilty to all counts, turned himself in a day after the shooting. Prosecutors say they have extensive evidence linking him to the crime, including DNA analysis and a handwritten note to a romantic partner that referenced the killing.

The judge’s decision permits prosecutors to pursue the death penalty, an option that hinges on whether the shooting is deemed an aggravating factor under state law because it endangered others at the event. Robinson’s defense argued that the evidence does not show a high probability that other attendees were at risk, noting that Kirk was the only person shot.

"Tyler James Robinson shot and killed Charlie Kirk because he disagreed with him, and he did it by firing a high-powered rifle into a crowd of over 3,000 people, which created a great risk of death that anyone would know about," prosecutor Ryan McBride said.

The family of the victim described the ruling as a step toward justice. Kirk’s parents and widow attended the heavily secured hearing, and members of Turning Point USA gathered outside the courthouse in support.

Robinson’s attorney, Staci Visser, contended that prosecutors were attempting to fit the case into the aggravated murder statute without sufficient proof that other people faced a high probability of death, emphasizing that only one bullet struck one victim. Prosecutors countered that the rifle was loaded with additional rounds and that an engraved bullet and text messages indicated a political motive.

The case will proceed to trial, where the court will consider both the murder charge and potential sentencing enhancements related to the alleged political targeting.