A Utah judge ruled on Tuesday that prosecutors have presented sufficient evidence to try 23-year-old Tyler Robinson for the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The highly anticipated decision by Judge Tony Graf allows the state to seek the death penalty. Shortly after the ruling, Robinson entered a not guilty plea through his lawyer.

Judge Graf scheduled the next hearing for October 23 to set a trial date. During a weeklong hearing in July, prosecutors presented surveillance videos placing Robinson near the crime scene and text messages where he allegedly confessed to his roommate and lover that he killed Kirk because he had "had enough of his hatred." Robinson's defense has challenged the DNA and ballistic evidence, arguing the shooter fired only once and hit the intended target. However, Judge Graf rejected this, ruling prosecutors established probable cause that Robinson knowingly put others in danger by firing into a courtyard.

Charlie Kirk, 31, founded Turning Point USA and was a prominent conservative Christian activist. His widow, Erika Kirk, attended the proceedings, visibly emotional when details of the shooting were discussed. Legal experts widely expected the judge to find probable cause, as prosecutors argued "this isn't a close case.".