A judge in Provo, Utah, is expected to rule today on whether Tyler Robinson, 23, accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, will stand trial and potentially face the death penalty. Judge Tony Graf will decide if there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial and allow prosecutors to seek capital punishment.
Robinson is charged with aggravated murder, which carries the death penalty in Utah. Prosecutors allege he endangered the lives of others at the event where Kirk was shot. Defence lawyers have argued the shooting was not a capital offence as the shooter hit an “intended target” and did not put others at risk.
The proceedings follow a week-long preliminary hearing in July, where prosecutors presented what they described as “overwhelming” evidence, including DNA test results allegedly linking Robinson to the murder weapon. Robinson’s lawyers have questioned the DNA testing and suggested police failed to investigate other potential suspects.
Prosecutors also allege Robinson targeted Kirk for his political views against gay marriage and transgender rights, an argument that could support their pursuit of the death penalty. Defence lawyers maintain there is no evidence Robinson disagreed with Kirk’s political views.