Charlie Kirk murder suspect pleads not guilty as judge clears way for death penalty trial
Tyler Robinson has pleaded not guilty to the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, as a Utah judge ruled that prosecutors may pursue the death penalty. The trial follows a preliminary hearing where prosecutors presented DNA and video evidence linking the defendant to the 2025 shooting.
Why it matters
The case involves the high-profile killing of a political figure and raises significant legal questions regarding capital punishment in the United States.
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock Image caption, Tyler Robinson consults with defence attorney Staci Visser on 1 September 2026
A 23-year-old Utah man has pleaded not guilty to the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk – as a judge ruled prosecutors can seek the death penalty.
Tyler Robinson is charged with aggravated murder, a capital offence in Utah, and six other counts in connection with the shooting of Kirk at a campus event on 10 September 2025.
Defence lawyers had tried to have the death penalty taken off the table, but prosecutors argued that aggravating factors, such as firing into a crowd in the presence of children, warranted a capital trial.
Turning Point USA co-founder Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Kirk was credited with helping propel the youth vote for Trump
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