A 23-year-old man accused of murdering conservative activist Charlie Kirk has pleaded not guilty, as a Utah judge ruled that prosecutors can continue seeking the death penalty.

Tyler Robinson entered the plea in court in Provo, Utah, on Tuesday, denying aggravated murder and six other charges connected with the fatal shooting of Kirk at Utah Valley University on 10 September 2025.

Kirk, 31, the co-founder of conservative organisation Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck while speaking at an event on the university campus in Orem.

The aggravated murder charge is a capital offence in Utah.

Robinson’s defence team had sought to prevent prosecutors from pursuing the death penalty. However, prosecutors argued that the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including allegations that a shot was fired towards Kirk while he was surrounded by a crowd that included children, justified allowing a potential capital sentence to remain available.

Robinson has not been convicted of any offence and the allegations against him remain to be proven at trial.

Kirk family attends hearing

Robinson appeared in court wearing a grey suit and was seen consulting with members of his legal team during proceedings.

Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, who shares two children with him, attended the hearing alongside his parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk.

In a statement following the hearing, the Kirk family described the judge’s ruling as an important development in their pursuit of justice.

They said every stage of the legal process carried the weight of what Kirk’s death had taken from his family, particularly his children, who will grow up without their father.

Prosecutors outline case against Robinson

Tuesday’s proceedings followed a five-day preliminary hearing in July, when prosecutors presented evidence they say links Robinson to the killing.

The prosecution case includes DNA evidence allegedly connecting Robinson to a rifle and other items recovered following the shooting, statements he is alleged to have made to people close to him and evidence from his roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs.

Prosecutor Ryan McBride told the court there was extensive evidence which, the prosecution argues, identifies Robinson as the person responsible.

McBride pointed to surveillance footage, DNA evidence, alleged admissions and other circumstantial evidence as key parts of the state’s case.

Prosecutors have alleged that Robinson opposed Kirk’s conservative political views, including his positions on transgender issues, and have presented this as a potential motive for the shooting.

The defence disputes the prosecution’s case.

Rifle and DNA evidence detailed

During the preliminary proceedings, the court heard allegations that Robinson visited and surveyed the university campus several times on the day of the shooting.

Prosecutors claim he interacted with Turning Point USA representatives and ate at Chick-fil-A before later returning to the area wearing different clothing.

The prosecution alleges that the change of clothes included trousers which helped conceal a rifle.

Investigators say Robinson’s DNA was found on his grandfather’s rifle, which was recovered from a wooded area near the university following the shooting. Prosecutors also allege his DNA was detected on a towel wrapped around the weapon and that other evidence was recovered from the scene.

The court was also told that markings on ammunition casings were allegedly consistent with a Dremel tool later recovered from the home Robinson shared with Twiggs.

Twiggs gave a recorded statement which was played during the July hearing. Prosecutors say Robinson confessed to the shooting to his roommate and later expressed regret.

These claims form part of the prosecution case and have not yet been tested before a jury.

Death penalty remains possible

Prosecutors argued that the manner in which the shooting allegedly took place created a significant risk to other people attending the event.

Chad Grunander, representing the prosecution, described the alleged act as effectively gambling with the lives of those surrounding Kirk.

Defence lawyers challenged that argument, noting that Kirk was the only person struck by gunfire.

Robinson’s lawyers have also questioned aspects of the prosecution evidence and procedures, including the qualifications of some expert witnesses who appeared during the preliminary hearing.

They have repeatedly objected to cameras livestreaming the court proceedings.

Judge Tony Graf considered further arguments about media access on Tuesday but ultimately ruled in favour of continued transparency, noting the significant public attention surrounding the case.

What happens next?

Robinson surrendered to authorities the day after Kirk was killed while accompanied by family members and a neighbour.

Following Tuesday’s ruling and his not-guilty plea, the case can now move towards a full trial, with prosecutors permitted to continue seeking the death penalty if Robinson is ultimately convicted of the capital charge.

He is scheduled to return to court on 23 October, when a trial date is expected to be discussed.

LoveBelfast will continue to follow developments in the case.