OREM, UT – The judge overseeing the murder case of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk addressed the intense political scrutiny surrounding the trial during a brief hearing on Monday, vowing to remain impartial.
Tyler Robinson, 22, is formally charged with aggravated murder in the death of Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, who was shot and killed on September 10 at a college campus in Orem, Utah.
Before concluding Monday’s virtual hearing, Judge Tony Graf stated, “Let me be clear, I will not put my finger on the scale of justice”. He added that all counsel must “fulfill our roles with integrity, civility, and diligence” regardless of whether “the nation or a single individual” is watching. These comments follow an outpouring of grief and political reaction.
Case Proceedings and Allegations
- Robinson allegedly shot Kirk once in the neck from a high-powered rifle from a sniper’s perch.
- He evaded authorities for 33 hours before turning himself in at his parents’ house.
- Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty for Robinson, who has not yet entered a plea.
- Robinson’s new legal team appeared virtually at Monday’s hearing and requested more time to review the “voluminous” evidence.
- The next hearing is scheduled for October 30, at which time Robinson is expected to appear in person.
Prosecutors have revealed text messages and DNA evidence allegedly connecting Robinson to the killing. In messages to his roommate, Robinson allegedly appeared to take responsibility for the shooting and wrote, “I had had enough of his hatred”. A note left for his partner reportedly stated that he had the opportunity to kill one of the nation’s leading conservative voices, “and I’m going to take it,” officials said.
