Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 4.0
TJ Pander, KLZ Radio | PROVO, Utah – A Utah judge has ordered Tyler Robinson to stand trial for the alleged assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, ruling that prosecutors presented sufficient evidence to proceed with an aggravated murder charge that could carry the death penalty.
BREAKING: Judge Rules Kirk Assassin Tyler Robinson Will Stand Trial as Robinson’s Attorney Smears Charlie Kirk During Pre-Trial Hearing (VIDEO) https://t.co/i9rWfocNDB #gatewaypundit via @gatewaypundit
— Don Hum (@DonHum3) September 2, 2026
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Fourth District Judge Tony Graf issued the ruling Tuesday following months of preliminary proceedings in the high-profile case. Robinson, 23, is accused of fatally shooting Kirk on September 10, 2025, as the Turning Point USA founder addressed thousands of people during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem.
Graf found that prosecutors had established probable cause to support the aggravated murder charge and rejected arguments from Robinson’s defense team seeking to eliminate the aggravating circumstance that makes the case eligible for capital punishment.
DEATH PENALTY REMAINS ON THE TABLE
Prosecutors have argued that the single rifle shot that killed Kirk also created a grave risk of death to others gathered at the outdoor event.
Utah District Judge Tony Graf ruled that Robinson should stand trial https://t.co/4PsPEXIOzv
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Authorities say Robinson allegedly fired from a rooftop more than 400 feet from the stage while approximately 3,000 people were in attendance. Prosecutors contend that Kirk’s security personnel and members of the surrounding crowd were endangered by the shot.
Defense attorneys argued that Robinson allegedly fired only once, targeted Kirk specifically and did not intend to harm anyone else. They asked the court to reject the aggravating factor and reduce the case to a non-capital murder prosecution.
Graf sided with prosecutors for purposes of the preliminary hearing, allowing the aggravated murder charge to move forward.
The ruling does not determine Robinson’s guilt. It establishes that prosecutors have presented enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
ROBINSON PLEADS NOT GUILTY
Following the judge’s ruling, Robinson entered a not-guilty plea to aggravated murder and six additional charges.
NOW – Tyler Robinson pleads not guilty on all 7 charges in the assassination of Charlie Kirk after Judge Tony Graf ruled prosecutors cleared the evidentiary bar to proceed to trial. pic.twitter.com/NVCnVt12LO
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Prosecutors have presented surveillance footage, DNA evidence, electronic communications and other evidence they say connects Robinson to the shooting. Court proceedings have also examined evidence allegedly showing Robinson scouting the Utah Valley University campus before the attack and fleeing the area afterward.
The defense has challenged portions of the prosecution’s evidence, including forensic findings and the government’s assertions regarding Robinson’s alleged motive.
KIRK KILLED DURING CAMPUS EVENT
Kirk, 31, was speaking before a large crowd at Utah Valley University when he was struck in the neck by a rifle round and killed.
The killing triggered a nationwide manhunt before Robinson surrendered to authorities the following day.
Kirk was the co-founder of Turning Point USA and had become one of the country’s most prominent conservative political activists, particularly among younger voters.
Members of Kirk’s family, including his widow Erika Kirk, have attended portions of the court proceedings.
CASE NOW MOVES TOWARD TRIAL
JUST IN: The murder case against
accused Charlie Kirk killer Tyler Robinson is moving forward after Judge Tony Graf rejects objections aimed at stopping the trial. Graf conducted an exhaustive review of the defense challenges, many centered on the use of hearsay evidence against… pic.twitter.com/96U0JsMuE0
— WHISTLE POOL (@TheW360_) September 2, 2026
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With the probable-cause phase now complete, the case moves into the next stage of pretrial proceedings.
If Robinson is ultimately convicted of aggravated murder, Utah prosecutors would be permitted to seek a death sentence. The existence of a capital charge does not guarantee prosecutors would obtain that sentence, which would require additional proceedings following any conviction.
The next court hearing is scheduled for October 23. A trial date has not yet been set.
