Charlie Kirk’s accused killer will stand trial for aggravated murder, Utah judge rules

September 1, 2026 / 8:08 PM EDT / CBS News

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 Graff 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, Graff 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.

Shortly after the hearing ended, Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, submitted a court…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/