Tyler Robinson, 23, entered a plea of not guilty on Tuesday to charges of aggravated murder and six additional counts related to the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The plea was made in a Provo courtroom as a Utah judge cleared the way for prosecutors to pursue the death penalty against Robinson. The incident occurred on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University in Orem, where Kirk was speaking at an outdoor campus event.
"He was playing, in effect, a game of ballistic roulette." Prosecutor Chad Grunander
The proceedings on Tuesday followed a five-day preliminary hearing in July, during which prosecutors presented evidence they assert establishes probable cause to bring Robinson to trial. Robinson, appearing in a gray suit, periodically conferred with his defense attorneys. Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, and his parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk, were present in the courtroom for the hearing.
Prosecutors argued that several aggravating circumstances justify seeking capital punishment. A primary contention was that Robinson allegedly fired toward Kirk while the Turning Point USA co-founder was surrounded by a crowd that included children. Kirk, 31, died after being shot in the neck. Prosecutor Chad Grunander emphasized the danger posed to others, stating, "He was playing, in effect, a game of ballistic roulette." Grunander also urged the judge to move the case forward, remarking, "It’s been 356 days since Tyler Robinson assassinated Charlie Kirk. It’s time for him, the defendant, to be bound over for trial and arraigned. Today."
The prosecution also outlined their alleged motive for the shooting, asserting that Robinson opposed Kirk’s conservative political views, particularly his positions on transgender issues. They argued that Robinson considered Kirk’s views "repugnant" and identified this ideological disagreement as a driving factor in the killing. Kirk was a notable figure in conservative circles, a prominent supporter of President Donald Trump, and widely credited with mobilizing younger voters for Republicans during the 2024 election cycle.
During the preliminary hearing, prosecutors presented what they described as a "mountain of evidence" connecting Robinson to the shooting. Prosecutor Ryan McBride stated, "There is a mountain of evidence that proves that he is the shooter." This evidence reportedly includes DNA found on a rifle believed to be the murder weapon, which investigators recovered from a wooded area near the university. Robinson’s DNA was also allegedly found on a towel wrapped around the weapon and on a screwdriver discovered at the scene. Furthermore, engravings on cartridge casings reportedly corresponded with a Dremel tool recovered from the residence Robinson shared with his roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs.
Video evidence from the day of the shooting and alleged admissions made by Robinson to people close to him also form part of the prosecution's case. Testimony from the July hearing included allegations that Twiggs provided a videotaped interview to prosecutors, in which Robinson allegedly confessed to the shooting, expressed remorse, and wished he had not carried it out. Prosecutors also detailed Robinson’s alleged movements on campus before the shooting, claiming he scouted the area, interacted with Turning Point USA members, and later returned in different clothing. McBride alleged that Robinson wore "long pants to obscure the rifle he had concealed down his pants" upon his return.
Robinson’s defense attorneys challenged the prosecution’s case throughout the preliminary proceedings, attempting to undermine some of the evidence presented. They also disputed the prosecution’s arguments regarding aggravating circumstances, noting that Kirk was the sole individual struck by gunfire and that no additional bullets hit members of the surrounding crowd.
Separately, Robinson’s attorneys objected to cameras livestreaming the highly publicized proceedings. Judge Tony Graf heard additional arguments on this matter during a sealed hearing Tuesday morning. However, he ultimately ruled in favor of continued public access to the courtroom proceedings, ensuring transparency for the closely watched trial. Robinson surrendered to authorities the day after Kirk’s killing, accompanied by family members and a neighbor. With the not-guilty plea entered and the death penalty remaining a prosecutorial option, the case is now set to move forward to a full trial.
