Judge to decide if Tyler Robinson will go to trial in Charlie Kirk murder case

Accessibility links Skip to main content Keyboard shortcuts for audio player Open Navigation Menu --> Newsletters NPR Shop Get NPR+ Close Navigation Menu Home News Expand/collapse submenu for News National World Politics Business Health Science Climate Race Culture Expand/collapse submenu for Culture Books Movies Television Pop Culture Food Art & Design Performing Arts Life Kit Gaming Music Expand/collapse submenu for Music Tiny Desk New Music Friday All Songs Considered Music Features Live Sessions Podcasts & Shows Expand/collapse submenu for Podcasts & Shows Daily Morning Edition Weekend Edition Saturday Weekend Edition Sunday All Things Considered Up First Here & Now NPR Politics Podcast Featured Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! National 33 hours: A timeline of Charlie Kirk's shooting and the search for a suspect The start of Tuesday's hearing was delayed by questions about what images prosecutors could show to the courtroom and/or the media. Kirk was fatally shot on Sept. 10, 2025, at a rally held at Utah Valley University. The 31-year-old was in Orem, Utah, to kick off his American Comeback Tour. Some 3,000 people were on hand, and were listening to Kirk speak when he was shot, police said. Authorities said video footage showed Robinson, who then lived in Washington County, Utah, arriving and moving around on the campus, as member station KUER reported. They also say he mentioned needing to retrieve his rifle in messages with his then-roommate, with whom Robinson had a romantic relationship. On the morning after the killing, investigators found a Mauser .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle that they believe to be the murder weapon. Prosecutors say Robinson has confessed to killing Kirk, citing a note he left for his roommate and other interactions. Robinson was arrested after a relative turned him in to police, saying the young man "had confessed or implied that he was the shooter," as NPR reported. Robinson faces one charge of aggravated murder and six other serious counts, including tampering with a witness. Ahead of Tuesday's hearing, the defendant had not yet entered a plea. His attorneys also were urging the judge not to allow video recordings and broadcast of the proceeding, saying it could prevent the pool of potential jurors from being impartial. Aggravating circumstances will likely play a key role in the case, as they could be used to justify imposing the death penalty for Robinson if he is found guilty. Prosecutors say there is evidence to support a victim targeting enhancement in the case, saying Robinson's alleged motive was political, as KUER reports. They cite evidence such as bullet casings bearing anti-fascist messages, such as "Hey Facist! CATCH!" [sic]. The possibility that the shooter endangered thousands of people at the rally is also an important distinction under Utah law. Police say the sniper's bullet that killed Kirk was fired from a rooftop some 150 yards away from the spot on a campus courtyard where Kirk was killed, as NPR has reported. Defense attorneys contend that because only a single bullet was fired — and struck its target — the crowd was not at risk. Last month, hundreds of people who attended the rally in Utah where Kirk was killed filed requests for victim benefits from the state, seeking mental health and trauma support. NPR does not offer or accept money for coverage or interviews. Anyone who makes such an offer or request is not an NPR employee and does not represent NPR. Sponsor Message Become an NPR sponsor