Tyler Robinson will go to trial, face possible death penalty for Charlie Kirk killing, judge rules

Accused killer Tyler Robinson will stand trial for Charlie Kirk’s assassination and could face the death penalty if convicted, a Utah judge ruled on Tuesday.Judge Tony Graf ruled that the 23-year-old alleged assassin will stand trial for all seven counts — including first-degree murder — after finding that prosecutors had enough evidence to try him.Graf also ruled there is enough evidence that Robinson put bystanders’ lives at risk when he fired over the heads of thousands of people — including children — who had gathered at Utah Valley University to see Kirk speak on Sept.10, 2025.Robinson pleaded not guilty Tuesday to all charges, including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, two counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of tampering with a witness, and violent offense committed in the presence of a child.Those charges with aggravating factors could carry a death sentence by firing squad if he’s convicted.Robinson’s family sat in the front of the Provo courtroom with Kirk’s parents and widow Erika seated in the back, KUTV observed, as attorneys gave closing arguments on the last day of the hearing — nearly a year after 31-year-old Kirk’s death.“Today’s decision, which comes nearly a year since Charlie was taken from us, marks an important step in our family’s pursuit of justice for him,” the Kirk family said in a statement.

“Every step in this process carries the weight of all that Charlie’s murder has taken from his family, especially his children who will grow up without their father.We are grateful to all who have continued to pray for us, support us, and stand with us through a year of unimaginable grief.”Prosecutors listed off “a mountain of evidence” in their argument for a trial.

“There is a mountain of evidence that proves he is the shooter,” prosecutor Ryan McBride told the court, giving a detailed account of how Robinson allegedly drove to UVU, took position on a...