US judge rules alleged Charlie Kirk killer to stand trial, could face death penalty

The murder case against the Utah man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk last year is headed for trial, and the defendant could face the death penalty if he is convicted.

Utah District Judge Tony Graf on Tuesday sided with prosecutors who said they had “overwhelming” evidence that suspect Tyler Robinson shot Kirk once in the neck as the ally of US President Donald Trump spoke to a crowd of thousands last September in Orem, Utah. One of Robinson’s lawyers entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf following Graf’s decision.

Robinson’s lawyers tried to block a trial or at least take the death penalty off the table, arguing that prosecutors failed to show Kirk’s shooting placed others around him at risk of death. That is an aggravating factor under the law that makes Robinson eligible for capital punishment.

Kirk’s family called the ruling “an important step in our family’s pursuit of justice”.

“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,” the statement said. “We are grateful to all who have continued to pray for us, support us, and stand with us through a year of unimaginable grief.”

Prosecutors said Robinson shot Kirk from a rooftop more than 122 metres away (400 feet) away, knowing he could have missed, killing other people.