Tyler Robinson, a 23-year-old man charged with killing American conservative activist Charlie Kirk last year, pleaded not guilty to all seven charges against him in a Utah court on Tuesday.

The judge ruled that there was sufficient evidence for Robinson to stand trial on an aggravated murder charge that could carry the death penalty. A hearing on 23 October will set a date for the start of the trial.

The ruling comes nearly a year after Kirk was shot dead at Utah Valley University on 10 September 2025. Prosecutors allege that Robinson killed the Turning Point USA co-founder with a single shot fired from a rooftop and endangered thousands of people attending the event.

Prosecutors also argue that Robinson targeted Kirk because of his political views, including his opposition to gay marriage and transgender rights. The defense disputes that interpretation of Robinson’s alleged motive.

Defense lawyers argued that prosecutors had failed to show that the shooting endangered anyone other than Kirk, challenging the aggravating factor used to support the death penalty charge.

Kirk’s parents and his widow, Erika, were present at the hearing.

(Reuters, max)