Defense attorneys in Charlie Kirk's killing say shooter should not get death penalty

Key Points:

• Tyler Robinson, charged with killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah, is arguing against the death penalty by claiming the bullet only hit Kirk and did not endanger others in the crowd, challenging a key aggravating factor for capital punishment under state law.
• Robinson's defense disputes that he targeted Kirk for political reasons, stating that prosecutors have not provided sufficient evidence beyond a single statement allegedly made to a roommate, and searches of Robinson’s belongings yielded no additional motive-related evidence.
• Prosecutors claim overwhelming evidence including DNA linking Robinson to the murder weapon and apparent confessions, while the defense questions the reliability of this evidence but has not presented alternative theories.
• The case is moving slowly, with a preliminary hearing extended due to the volume of evidence and judicial caution; closing arguments are set for Sept. 1, when a judge will decide if the case proceeds to trial and on what charges.
• Robinson faces potential sentence enhancements if prosecutors prove a political motive linked to Kirk’s views on same-sex marriage and gender transitioning, though Robinson’s roommate testified he never heard Robinson discuss Kirk or related political issues before the shooting.