Charlie Kirk murder suspect pleads not guilty

A 23-year-old Utah man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk has pleaded not guilty, as a judge

PROVO: A 23-year-old Utah man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk has pleaded not guilty, as a judge cleared the way for prosecutors to pursue the death penalty if he is convicted.

Tyler Robinson entered his plea in court on Tuesday in connection with the fatal shooting of Kirk at Utah Valley University in Orem on September 10, 2025. Robinson faces an aggravated murder charge, which is a capital offence in Utah, along with six other charges.

Kirk, 31, co-founded Turning Point USA and was a prominent conservative political activist. He was speaking at a university event when he was shot in the neck.

Robinson appeared in court wearing a grey suit and was seen consulting with his lawyers during the proceedings. Kirk’s widow, Erika, and his parents, Robert and Kathryn, attended the hearing.

The judge’s decision followed arguments over whether prosecutors should be allowed to seek capital punishment. Defence lawyers had asked the court to remove the death penalty from consideration, while prosecutors argued that the circumstances of the alleged shooting justified it.

Prosecutors said Robinson allegedly fired toward Kirk while other people, including children, were nearby. They described the incident as an act that placed numerous lives at risk.

During the hearing, prosecutor Ryan McBride said prosecutors had substantial evidence linking Robinson to the killing. The evidence presented during earlier proceedings allegedly includes DNA recovered from the suspected murder weapon and other objects, video footage, statements allegedly made by Robinson and evidence from his roommate.

Prosecutors also alleged that Robinson had repeatedly surveyed the university campus before the shooting. According to evidence presented in court, he interacted with Turning Point USA members and ate at a nearby Chick-fil-A before allegedly returning in different clothing.

McBride said the accused later wore clothing that allegedly helped conceal a rifle as he moved around the campus.

Authorities reportedly recovered the firearm in a wooded area near the university after the shooting. Prosecutors said Robinson’s DNA was found on the rifle and on a towel used to wrap it. DNA was also allegedly detected on a screwdriver recovered at the scene.

Investigators have further linked Robinson to markings found on shell casings, with prosecutors claiming the markings corresponded to a Dremel tool recovered from the home he shared with his roommate, Lance Twiggs.

Twiggs previously gave investigators a videotaped statement that was played during the preliminary hearing. Prosecutors said Robinson had confessed to him after the shooting and expressed regret over what had happened.

Prosecutors have alleged that Robinson opposed Kirk’s conservative views, particularly his positions on transgender issues, and have presented those views as a possible motive.

Defence lawyers have challenged the prosecution’s evidence and questioned aspects of the investigation. They have also raised concerns about the qualifications of some prosecution experts and repeatedly objected to cameras broadcasting the court proceedings.

The judge considered arguments over courtroom transparency but ultimately allowed the proceedings to remain open, despite concerns that the highly publicised case has generated conspiracy theories.

Robinson surrendered to authorities the day after the shooting, accompanied by family members and a neighbour.

Kirk’s family welcomed the latest ruling, saying it represented an important step toward justice while highlighting the lasting impact of his death on his wife and two children.