Case against suspect in Charlie Kirk’s killing can proceed to trial, judge rules

By Andi Babineau, Kristen Holmes and Elise Hammond

(CNN) – The case against Tyler Robinson, the man accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah, can move to trial, a judge ruled Tuesday, citing sufficient probable cause. The ruling follows a multiday preliminary hearing that began in July.

Judge Tony Graf ruled that Robinson will stand trial on all counts: aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, tampering with a witness and violent offense committed in the presence of a child.

Prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted.

The preliminary hearing was meant to establish whether there is probable cause to support the charges so Robinson had yet to enter pleas. His attorney entered not guilty pleas on his behalf after the judge’s ruling.

Kirk was killed on September 10, 2025 at Utah Valley University, the first stop of his “The American Comeback” tour. The 31-year-old was fielding questions from people in the audience when he was shot.

Less than a week after the shooting, Robinson was charged.

Erika Kirk, Kirk’s widow, was in court, alongside her late husband’s parents.

Kirk’s family said the judge’s ruling today that Tyler Robinson will stand trial in connection to the conservative activist’s killing, is an “important step in our family’s pursuit of justice.”

Here’s what the statement, made on behalf of the Kirk family, said:

“Today’s decision, which comes nearly a year since Charlie was taken from us, marks an important step in our family’s pursuit of justice for him. 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. We are grateful to all who have continued to pray for us, support us, and stand with us through a year of unimaginable grief. As the next phase of the judicial process begins, our family remains united in our love for Charlie, our commitment to the pursuit of justice, and our prayer for a transparent and timely process.”

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