The gunman responsible for assassinating Charlie Kirk last year testified in court, denying all charges, while the judge allowed prosecutors to seek the death penalty due to the extreme violence of the act.
Foreign news agencies reported on 2 Sep 2026 that Tyler Robinson, 23, the suspect in the murder of prominent U.S. political activist Charlie Kirk, denied all charges in court as the judge allowed prosecutors to pursue the death penalty during the trial.
Robinson denied charges of aggravated murder—which carries the death penalty in Utah—as well as six other charges related to the shooting that killed 31-year-old Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University on 10 Sep 2025.
Despite the defense's objections, the judge approved prosecutors’ request to seek the death penalty, citing "aggravating circumstances"; prosecutors argued that firing into a crowd including children posed a grave risk to others’ lives.
Additionally, prosecutors presented strong evidence including CCTV footage, DNA from Robinson found on the murder weapon—a rifle belonging to his grandfather—as well as on a towel and screwdriver discovered at the crime scene, engraved markings on bullet casings matching equipment from his residence, and a confession Robinson made to his roommate.
Regarding motive, prosecutors stated that the defendant opposed Kirk's conservative ideology, particularly on transgender issues.
The judge also permitted live broadcasting of the trial for transparency and scheduled the next court date for 23 Oct to set the official trial commencement.
Source:bbc