Charlie Kirk murder suspect Tyler Robinson 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.

Tyler Robinson is charged with aggravated murder, a capital offence in Utah, and six other counts 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.