A Utah judge has ruled that Tyler Robinson will face trial for aggravated murder in the September 10, 2025, shooting of Charlie Kirk, a prominent right-wing political activist. The incident occurred at Utah Valley University, where Kirk was shot in front of a large crowd. Judge Tony Graf sided with prosecutors, who claim they have sufficient evidence to proceed with the trial. The aggravated murder charge could lead to Robinson facing the death penalty, life in prison without parole, or 25 to life years with the possibility of parole. Graf said he needed time to review 24 pages of notes he took during the closing arguments of Robinson's preliminary hearing before the court recessed. Prosecutors presented much of their evidence against Robinson during a five-day hearing in July. A key factor in the aggravated murder charge is the belief that Robinson knowingly endangered others in Kirk's death. The state of Utah argued that Robinson targeted Kirk because of his political beliefs and that he was aware children were present and would witness the shooting. Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, submitted a court filing shortly after the hearing ended, asking Judge Graf to make a decision by September 1. Prosecutors stated that Robinson “shot and killed Charlie Kirk because he disagreed with him and he did it by firing a high-powered rifle into a crowd of thousands.” They emphasized that there is “a mountain of evidence” against Robinson and that it is “overwhelming.” The defense’s closing arguments focused on the enhancements to the charges that would allow the prosecution to seek the death penalty. The defense argued that the aggravating factor needed for a capital case—where others’ lives were knowingly put at great risk—had not been proven, as the shooter had a clear shot and only fired once over the crowd. In response, prosecutors countered, “You can't shoot a rifle into a crowd of 3,000 people and not know that you are posing a significant risk of death.” Robinson is also accused of obstruction of justice, which could result in up to 15 years in prison, and felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, which could lead to five to life years in prison. He has not yet entered pleas to those charges.