In September of the previous year, political activist Charlie Kirk was tragically killed during a college debate at Utah Valley University (UVU).
A single shot, which led to Kirk’s death at a nearby hospital, was fired by a sniper from a rooftop on the college campus around 12:20 pm. This occurred while Kirk was responding to questions on mass shootings and gun violence.
Kirk’s security team rushed him to the hospital following the neck wound, and subsequently, President Donald Trump confirmed his death in a Truth Social post.
After an extensive search conducted by law enforcement, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson from Utah was apprehended. He faces charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious injury, and two counts of obstruction of justice for moving a firearm and getting rid of clothing.
Prosecutors have stated their intention to pursue the death penalty in this case.
At the time of the incident, Robinson was in his third year of an electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College.
Although Robinson was not enrolled at UVU, a university spokesperson mentioned that he had attended for a single semester back in 2021.
Information from public records accessed by the BBC indicated that Robinson’s past political affiliations were either unaffiliated or nonpartisan, while his parents are registered Republicans.
In an interview, Robinson’s grandmother described him as ‘the shyest person’, and noted, “He has never, ever spoke politics to me at all.”
Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder, with prosecutors planning to seek the death penalty. He has not yet submitted a plea.
Robinson’s most recent court appearance was on Friday (January 16), where his defense aimed to disqualify prosecutors due to an alleged conflict of interest, according to CNN.
The defense claims a conflict exists because a child of one of the prosecutors was present at the event. This family member was reportedly within 85 feet of Kirk when the shooting occurred.
Prosecutors have opposed this motion, labeling it a ‘delay tactic’. However, defense attorney Richard Novak argued that the motion is not about tactics, but rather, “we firmly believe that the law supports the conclusion that that particular prosecutor should have been screened off.”
The county attorney’s office contends there is no conflict since the family member “did not see Charlie get shot” and “did not see anyone [in the crowd or elsewhere] with a gun.”
Nevertheless, the defense suggested that the circumstances may have influenced the rapid decision to seek the death penalty, explaining in the motion: “The rush to seek death in this case evidences strong emotional reactions.”
The attorney’s office rebutted by stating, “there is nothing unusual or untoward about filing a death penalty notice before a preliminary hearing.”
Attorney Novak maintained that until a decision is reached, the prosecutor should be removed from the case.
According to CNN, Robinson will not be arraigned until after his preliminary hearing, set to commence on May 18 for a duration of three days.