Tyler Robinson, 23, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. A judge has ruled that prosecutors can seek the death penalty at trial in Utah.
Mr Robinson denies aggravated murder, a capital offence in Utah, and six other charges in connection with the shooting of Mr Kirk at a campus event on 10 September 2025. Defence lawyers had sought to prevent the death penalty from being considered, but prosecutors argued that aggravating factors, such as allegedly firing into a crowd in the presence of children, warranted a capital trial.
Mr Kirk, 31, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem. Prosecutors outlined evidence during a preliminary hearing in July, including DNA allegedly linking Mr Robinson to the murder weapon and confessions he allegedly made to loved ones.
The Kirk family stated that the judge's decision "marks an important step" in their "pursuit of justice." Mr Robinson is scheduled to appear in court again on 23 October, when a trial date is expected to be set.