The suspect accused of murdering conservative activist Charlie Kirk pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Provo, Utah, as a judge cleared the way for prosecutors to pursue the death penalty in the case.
Tyler Robinson, who faces charges of aggravated murder and six other counts, appeared in court wearing a grey suit and conferring with his legal team. Kirk's widow and parents were present for the hearing. Robinson turned himself in the day after the killing, over a year ago.
Prosecutors presented evidence during a preliminary hearing in July, arguing there was probable cause for trial. They cited DNA allegedly linking Robinson to the murder weapon and other items found at the scene, confessions he is said to have made to loved ones, and a video statement from his roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs. Twiggs testified that Robinson confessed to the crime, cried, and expressed regret.
"There is a mountain of evidence that proves that he is the shooter," prosecutor Ryan McBride told the court, referencing video evidence he said showed Robinson "dressed to kill" on campus the day of the shooting. McBride also pointed to DNA evidence, admissions, and circumstantial factors as proof.
Prosecutors have alleged that Robinson was motivated by his opposition to Kirk's conservative views, particularly on transgender issues, which they characterized as "repugnant." They also outlined aggravating factors, accusing Robinson of "gambling with the lives of others" by allegedly firing into a crowd where Kirk was present.
"He was playing, in effect, a game of ballistic roulette," prosecutor Chad Grunander stated.
Defense attorneys have sought to cast doubt on the prosecution's evidence, raising questions during the July hearing about procedure, expert credentials, and protocol. They also objected to cameras livestreaming court proceedings, though the judge ruled in favor of transparency.
During the July hearing, prosecutors presented evidence that Robinson allegedly surveyed the campus multiple times on the day of the shooting, including interactions with members of Kirk's organization Turning Point USA. Evidence also suggested Robinson changed his clothes before the shooting, with one prosecutor saying he wore "long pants to obscure the rifle he had concealed down his pants."
Investigators found Robinson's DNA on his grandfather's rifle, which was discovered in a wooded area near campus after the shooting, as well as on a towel used to wrap it and a screwdriver recovered from the scene. Engravings found on casings from the shooting allegedly matched a Dremel tool found at the residence Robinson shared with Twiggs.