Defense asks to block death penalty in Kirk murder case

Attorneys for the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk asked a judge on Friday to block prosecutors from seeking the death penalty, alleging they violated a court order by discussing evidence with the media. The request came during a hearing where the defense sought to have prosecutors held in contempt.

Tyler Robinson, 23, is charged with aggravated murder in the September 10, 2025, shooting of Kirk, who was struck in the neck while addressing a crowd of thousands at Utah Valley University in Orem. Prosecutors have stated they intend to seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted. He has not yet entered a plea.

The dispute centers on a bullet fragment recovered from Kirk's body. In March, defense attorneys revealed a preliminary finding by ballistics experts from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that could not conclusively match the fragment to a modified Mauser Model 98 rifle investigators say was used in the killing. The defense filing described this as potentially exculpatory evidence, sparking widespread media reports and speculation about Robinson's possible exoneration.

Prosecutors responded in April with public comments,...