A Utah judge ruled on September 1 that there is probable cause to believe Tyler Robinson murdered conservative activist Charlie Kirk, paving the way for a trial that could include the death penalty. The ruling follows a weeklong hearing in July regarding the shooting that occurred at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.
Utah Judge Tony Graf ruled that the evidence was sufficient to support a reasonable belief that Robinson was the individual who shot and killed Kirk. According to Deputy Utah County Attorney Ryan McBride, prosecutors presented a mountain of evidence, including video footage, DNA evidence, and alleged confessions from Robinson.
McBride stated that security footage from Utah Valley University showed Robinson scouting the campus before returning to fire the fatal shot from a rooftop at 12:23 p.m. A rifle believed to be the murder weapon was later found in a wooded area on campus, wrapped in a towel. Prosecutors alleged that Robinson's DNA was found on the rifle, and DNA on a towel and screwdriver found at the scene likely belonged to Robinson and his former romantic partner, Lance Twiggs.
Prosecutors argued that Robinson targeted Kirk because of Kirk's criticism of homosexual relationships. McBride cited Robinson's relationship with Twiggs and messages etched on ammunition found with the gun, such as "If you read this, you are gay LMAO," as evidence of motive. Additionally, McBride argued that Robinson knowingly created a great risk of death to others by firing a rifle into a crowd of approximately 3,000 people.
Defense attorneys challenged the prosecution's evidence and arguments. Attorney Staci Visser argued there was no evidence that Robinson intended to endanger anyone other than Kirk. Defense attorney Michael Burt contested the forensic evidence, stating that analysts could not reach a scientific certainty regarding the source of the DNA found on the rifle or screwdriver.
Attorney Richard Novak argued against a witness tampering charge, suggesting that Robinson's alleged instructions to Twiggs to seek legal counsel were an act of altruism. Novak also argued the state failed to prove Robinson's actions were motivated by political beliefs or that he was aware of children being present at the event.
The ruling means Robinson can be tried on all seven charges brought by prosecutors, including first-degree murder.
