Updated on: September 1, 2026 / 8:34 PM EDT
/ CBS/AP
Add CBS News on Google
Charlie Kirk's alleged killer will stand trial for aggravated murder in the Sept. 10, 2025, shooting of the right-wing political activist in front of a crowd at Utah Valley University, a judge ruled Tuesday. Judge Tony Graf decided in favor of prosecutors who say they have enough evidence against Tyler Robinson to put the 23-year-old on trial on a charge of aggravated murder, which could see him face the death penalty, life in prison without parole, or 25 years to life in prison with parole.Before the court in Provo, Utah, went to recess earlier Tuesday, Graf said he needed time to go over the 24 pages of notes he took during the closing arguments of Robinson's preliminary hearing.Prosecutors presented much of the evidence against Robinson during a five-day hearing back in July. A factor for the aggravated murder charge is a reasonable belief that the defendant knowingly endangered others in Kirk's death. The state of Utah argued Robinson targeted Kirk because of his political beliefs, and knowing that children were present and would witness the shooting.The judge said his decision was based on "the documented position of several individuals in and around the canopy area" where Kirk was speaking, among other factors."These circumstances support a reasonable inference that defendant was aware that other individuals were positioned near Mr. Kirk when he fired," Graf said.Shortly after the preliminary hearing ended, Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, had submitted a court filing asking Graf to make a determination by Sept. 1.
