Defense attorney named for Charlie Kirk assassination suspect in Utah case

PROVO, Utah — Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of fatally shooting Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk during a campus speech earlier this month, has secured a defense attorney. Kathryn Nester, a former federal public defender with more than 30 years of experience, is spearheading the defense, according to a Utah County spokesperson.

Kirk, a 31-year-old father of two, was addressing a crowd at Utah Valley University when he was struck in the neck by what authorities described as a sniper's bullet in the campus courtyard. Robinson, an electrician apprentice, recently drifted apart from his immediate family and became "more political" and supportive of "more pro-gay and trans rights" over the past year, according to court documents. In a text message to his roommate and trans romantic partner, he allegedly confessed to the crime, saying, "I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out."

Robinson faces charges including aggravated murder, which carries the potential death penalty in Utah. As a result, his defense counsel and co-counsel are required under state law to be qualified to defend death penalty cases. Prosecutors have indicated that he may also face federal charges in separate proceedings.

Robinson remains in a special housing unit despite a completed mental evaluation, a detail disclosed in court filings and law enforcement records. The status underscores ongoing judicial proceedings as attorneys prepare for future steps in what has become a high-profile case with national political implications.

The appointment of Kathryn Nester as lead counsel marks a pivotal development in the case. Nester, referenced by Utah County officials as the primary defender, is joined by additional counsel with experience in death-penalty litigation, according to authorities. The defense team’s composition is a function of Utah law, which requires specific qualifications for death-penalty cases, and the appointment comes as prosecutors set expectations for complicated pretrial motions and potential trial scheduling.

The incident, which occurred during a visiting tour on Sept. 10, 2025, has drawn attention from across the political spectrum. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was a prominent figure in conservative youth advocacy and had built a national audience through campus events and public speaking. The shooting has prompted renewed discussion about safety at political events on college campuses and the broader question of how legal systems handle high-profile cases tied to political activity.

The case is still in the early stages, with prosecutors outlining charges and defenses forming in parallel. Officials have emphasized that, while a murder charge is filed, many elements remain under review, including potential federal charges and the precise legal strategy for addressing the aggravated murder count and any potential penalties. Authorities have not announced a trial date, and defense filings are expected to detail forthcoming motions on issues such as evidentiary questions, pretrial detention conditions, and the application of the death penalty if the case proceeds to verdict.

The investigation continues as both sides prepare for what could be a prolonged legal process. Officials have stressed the need for careful handling of sensitive information, given the high-profile nature of the accused and the deceased individual. The public and political stakeholders will be watching closely as the defense team, led by Nester, navigates initial motions, potential plea discussions, and the possible introduction of expert testimony related to the mental health evaluation and other factors that could influence the case's trajectory.