A Utah Judge ruled Tuesday that Tyler Robinson will stand trial on all seven charges in the assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk, leaving him eligible for the death penalty if convicted of aggravated murder.
After hearing hours of closing arguments from the defense and prosecution, Fourth District Judge Tony Graf found that the state had established probable cause, meaning there was sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
Robinson, 23, faces one count of aggravated murder, one count of felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, two counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of tampering with a witness, and one count of committing a violent offense in the presence of a child, according to court records.
The judge’s decision allows the aggravated murder charge to move forward, along with the aggravating circumstance prosecutors say makes the charge eligible for the death penalty.
The defendant’s attorneys asked during the preliminary hearing that Graf reject the aggravating circumstance that could make the killing eligible for capital punishment. They argued that prosecutors had not shown that the shooter knowingly created a “great risk of death” to anyone other than Kirk. Prosecutors countered, saying others were indeed at risk when the shot was fired. Graf ultimately found there was sufficient evidence for the aggravating circumstance to remain in the case.
Kirk’s parents and his widow, Erika Kirk, appeared in court Tuesday. A statement from the family called the ruling “an important step in our family’s pursuit of justice for him.”
“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,” the family said.
“As the next phase of the judicial process begins, our family remains united in our love for Charlie, our commitment to the pursuit of justice, and our prayer for a transparent and timely process,” the statement added.
Robinson is accused of fatally shooting Kirk in September 2025 at Utah Valley University, where the conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder was speaking at an outdoor event.
Following Judge Graf’s ruling, Robinson’s attorneys entered not guilty pleas on his behalf to all seven charges.