Utah judge allows prosecutors to seek death penalty in Charlie Kirk murder case

A judge in Utah has ruled that Tyler Robinson, accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk last September, should face trial on murder charges that could lead to the death penalty. District Court Judge Tony Graf made the decision following prosecutors' presentation of what they described as "overwhelming" evidence supporting a capital trial for Robinson, 23. An arraignment and plea hearing are expected to follow.

Robinson is charged with seven counts, including aggravated murder for posing a danger to others at the event. The prosecution accused him of positioning himself as a sniper at Utah Valley University, where Kirk was speaking, and firing a single shot that killed Kirk, 31. The prosecutor displayed photos and video evidence showing Robinson's position and the proximity of Kirk's security detail.

Robinson's defense attorney, Staci Visser, argued that only Kirk was endangered by the shooting and that there was no evidence suggesting others were threatened. She contended that Robinson did not engage with anyone or reload the weapon, only firing a single shot before fleeing.

The prosecution cited DNA evidence linking Robinson to the murder weapon and pointed to text messages exchanged between Robinson and his roommate Lance Twiggs, suggesting a motive based on Kirk's political views opposing gay marriage and transgender rights. Kirk's parents and wife attended the hearing, along with other supporters.

Kirk, co-founder of conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was instrumental in rallying young voters for President Donald Trump's 2024 reelection campaign. The shooting, captured on cellphone video, sparked discussions about political violence in the United States.