Tyler Robinson, the Utah man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including aggravated murder, after a judge ruled that the case can proceed to trial. Robinson could face the death penalty if convicted.Utah District Judge Tony Graf on Tuesday ruled that prosecutors had presented enough evidence to pursue the aggravated murder charge, siding with prosecutors who said they had a “mountain of evidence” against Robinson, 23.Prosecutors allege Robinson fatally shot Kirk while he was speaking to a crowd of more than 3,000 people at Utah Valley University in September 2025. Robinson turned himself in a day after the shooting.According to prosecutors, Robinson fired a high-powered, bolt-action rifle from a rooftop more than 400 feet (122 metres) away. They argue that he knew he could miss Kirk and strike someone else in the crowd. Prosecutor Ryan McBride said Robinson shot Kirk because he disagreed with his political views.The defence had sought to block the aggravated murder charge from going to trial or remove the possibility of the death penalty. Defence attorney Staci Visser argued that prosecutors had failed to establish the level of risk to others required under Utah law.“There was one shot. One bullet. One victim,” Visser argued, saying Kirk was elevated on a stage and was not immediately near others when he was shot in the neck.Prosecutor Chad Grunander countered that Robinson was armed with a bolt-action rifle loaded with additional rounds, arguing that he “came prepared to shoot again.”Graf nevertheless ruled that the aggravated murder charge could proceed, citing, among other factors, the positions of people in and around the tent where Kirk was speaking. A lesser murder charge would carry a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison.During a five-day hearing in July, prosecutors presented DNA evidence they said linked Robinson to the rifle and to a tool allegedly used to engrave ammunition. Defence lawyers questioned the reliability of the DNA evidence.Prosecutors also presented a handwritten note they said Robinson left for his romantic partner before the shooting. The note allegedly said: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it.”Prosecutors are also seeking sentencing enhancements by alleging that Kirk was targeted because of his political beliefs. They cited an inscription on a bullet found in the rifle as evidence of a political motive, as well as a text message allegedly written by Robinson that said: “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”The defence has disputed the evidence of a political motive.Kirk’s family welcomed the judge’s decision, calling it “an important step” in their pursuit of justice. His parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk, attended the hearing at the heavily secured courthouse in Provo alongside his widow, Erika Kirk.A few dozen local members of Turning Point USA, the conservative youth organisation Kirk helped build, gathered outside the courthouse.Robinson showed little visible reaction during the hearing, while his mother cried.The case will now move towards trial, where prosecutors will have to prove the aggravated murder charge and the alleged political motive beyond a reasonable doubt.