The ruling by Judge Tony Graf came down nearly a year after Kirk was gunned down while speaking to students at Utah Valley University, according to The Post Millennial.
Robinson, identified by prosecutors as the primary suspect, is accused of shooting the Turning Point USA founder in the neck during a campus event, an attack that stunned conservatives nationwide and raised fresh concerns about political violence against right-leaning speakers.
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In a statement posted to X, Kirk’s widow Erika described the court’s decision as a painful but necessary milestone in their search for accountability.
"Today’s decision, which comes nearly a year since Charlie was taken from us, marks an important step in our family’s pursuit of justice for him. Every step in this process carries the weight of all that Charlie’s murder has taken from his family, especially his children who will grow up without their father. We are grateful to all who have continued to pray for us, support us, and stand with us through a year of unimaginable grief."
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She emphasized that the family’s focus remains on truth and due process as the case moves forward.
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"As the next phase of the judicial process begins, our family remains united in our love for Charlie, our commitment to the pursuit of justice, and our prayer for a transparent and timely process," she added.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Kirk’s attorney pressed Judge Graf to ensure a speedy trial, underscoring the family’s desire to avoid further delays after months of anguish.
The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for October 23, setting the stage for a high-profile proceeding that will test the justice system’s resolve in the face of ideological violence.
Supporters of Turning Point USA turned out in force at the courthouse, signaling that Kirk’s influence among young conservatives remains strong despite efforts to silence his message.
Student leaders from TPUSA in Utah and staff from the organization attended the hearing, including Beehive Field representative and former UVU TPUSA president Caleb Chilcutt, who wrote on X, "Erika, you are so loved in Utah. Thank you for your constant display of courage. The Utah youth stands with the Kirk family."
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Chilcutt and other students were seen gathered outside the courthouse as proceedings unfolded, a visible reminder that Kirk’s work in mobilizing conservative youth continues to resonate.
Members of Kirk’s family were later seen leaving the building after Judge Graf’s decision that Robinson would stand trial on capital charges.
Prosecutors say DNA evidence and multiple confessions from Robinson tie him directly to the assassination, reinforcing their case that this was a deliberate, targeted killing of a prominent conservative voice.
Robinson has been charged with murder in connection with the shooting, which occurred while Kirk was addressing college students on campus.
In a move likely to inflame tensions further, Robinson’s attorney argued in court that Kirk, before he was assassinated, "spoke hatefully" against LGBTQ individuals, an attempt to smear the victim and shift attention from the brutality of the crime.
Erika Kirk’s attorney rejected that narrative outright, insisting that Charlie was the "opposite of hate," and adding pointedly that "firing a bullet into a crowd and assassinating him, that is hate."
