Charlie Kirk murder suspect pleads not guilty as judge clears way for death penalty trial

A 23-year-old man from Utah has pleaded not guilty to the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, with a judge ruling that prosecutors can seek the death penalty if convicted. Tyler Robinson denies the charges, including aggravated murder, at a hearing in Provo on Tuesday. Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.

The defense tried to have the death penalty removed from consideration, but prosecutors argued that factors like firing into a crowd in front of children made it a death-penalty case. Kirk's family was present during the hearing, expressing their pursuit of justice. The judge ruled in favor of transparency regarding livestreaming court proceedings.

The defense questioned the prosecution's evidence during a July preliminary hearing, raising concerns about procedure and expert credentials. Robinson's lawyers objected to cameras during that hearing, but Judge Tony Graf allowed livestreaming in this case, which has sparked conspiracy theories.