Charlie Kirk murder suspect pleads not guilty as judge clears way for death penalty trial

A 23-year-old Utah man has pleaded not guilty to the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk – as a judge ruled prosecutors can seek the death penalty at trial.

Tyler Robinson denies aggravated murder, a capital offence in Utah, and six other charges in connection with the shooting of Kirk at a campus event on 10 September 2025.

Defence lawyers had tried to have the death penalty taken off the table, but prosecutors argued that aggravating factors, such as firing into a crowd in the presence of children, warranted a capital trial.

Turning Point USA co-founder Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem.

The defendant, wearing a grey suit and occasionally consulting with his lawyers, appeared in court in the city of Provo on Tuesday.

Kirk's widow, Erika, the mother of their two children, and his parents, ⁠Robert and Kathryn, were also at the hearing.

In a statement shared afterwards, the Kirk family said the judge's decision "marks an important step" in their "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 added.