Updated September 1, 2026 at 7:40 PM CDT
A Utah judge decided the murder case against Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk last fall, will go to trial. Robinson, 23, could face the death penalty.
Judge Tony Graf ruled following arguments during a Tuesday hearing in state court that came after months of legal wrangling.
The proceedings were livestreamed by Salt Lake City TV channel KUTV, despite objections from Robinson's lawyers, who argued such coverage jeopardizes his right to a fair trial.
The start of Tuesday's hearing was delayed by questions about what images prosecutors could show to the courtroom and/or the media.
Kirk was killed nearly one year ago
Kirk was fatally shot on Sept. 10, 2025, at a rally held at Utah Valley University. The 31-year-old was in Orem, Utah, to kick off his American Comeback Tour. Some 3,000 people were on hand, and were listening to Kirk speak when he was shot, police said.
Authorities said video footage showed Robinson, who then lived in Washington County, Utah, arriving and moving around on the campus, as member station KUER reported. They also say he mentioned needing to retrieve his rifle in messages with his then-roommate, with whom Robinson had a romantic relationship.
On the morning after the killing, investigators found a Mauser .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle that they believe to be the murder weapon.
Prosecutors say Robinson has confessed to killing Kirk, citing a note he left for his roommate and other interactions. Robinson was arrested after a relative turned him in to police, saying the young man "had confessed or implied that he was the shooter," as NPR reported.
Prosecutors are likely to seek the death penalty
Robinson faces one charge of aggravated murder and six other serious counts, including tampering with a witness. Ahead of Tuesday's hearing, the defendant had not yet entered a plea. His attorneys also were urging the judge not to allow video recordings and broadcast of the proceeding, saying it could prevent the pool of potential jurors from being impartial.
Aggravating circumstances will likely play a key role in the case, as they could be used to justify imposing the death penalty for Robinson if he is found guilty. Prosecutors say there is evidence to support a victim targeting enhancement in the case, saying Robinson's alleged motive was political, as KUER reports. They cite evidence such as bullet casings bearing anti-fascist messages, such as "Hey Facist! CATCH!" [sic].
The possibility that the shooter endangered thousands of people at the rally is also an important distinction under Utah law. Police say the sniper's bullet that killed Kirk was fired from a rooftop some 150 yards away from the spot on a campus courtyard where Kirk was killed, as NPR has reported. Defense attorneys contend that because only a single bullet was fired — and struck its target — the crowd was not at risk.
Last month, hundreds of people who attended the rally in Utah where Kirk was killed filed requests for victim benefits from the state, seeking mental health and trauma support.
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