A Utah judge has not yet ruled on a defense motion seeking to remove the Utah County Attorney’s Office from prosecuting Tyler Robinson, who is charged with the Sept. 10, 2025, killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. The judge said the current record does not justify disqualification but allowed defense lawyers to question witnesses about the alleged conflict. Another hearing is scheduled for Feb. 3.
Tyler Robinson, 22, is charged with aggravated murder in the Sept. 10, 2025, shooting death of Charlie Kirk on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem, Utah, according to court reporting by The Associated Press.
Defense attorneys are seeking to disqualify Utah County prosecutors, arguing there is a conflict of interest because the adult daughter of a deputy county attorney involved in the case attended the event where Kirk was shot. Prosecutors have disputed that claim, saying the family member did not see the shooting and is not a key witness.
At a hearing on Friday, Fourth District Court Judge Tony Graf said there was not enough evidence at this stage to remove the prosecutor’s office, but he allowed Robinson’s lawyers to begin questioning witnesses about the alleged conflict, according to The Daily Wire.
The hearing also included a dispute over courtroom video. The defense raised concerns that close-up footage of Robinson speaking with his attorneys could be analyzed by lip readers and could prejudice the case. Judge Graf ordered the pool camera operator not to film Robinson for the remainder of the hearing, the AP reported.
The next hearing is set for Feb. 3. The AP reported that the deputy county attorney and his daughter are expected to testify that day as the judge considers the disqualification request.
Separately, The Daily Wire reported that Lance Twiggs — described as Robinson’s roommate and alleged romantic partner — is no longer under federal protection after previously receiving an FBI security detail amid threats and relocating out of state. Twiggs has not been charged in connection with the killing, The Daily Wire said. The AP has reported that prosecutors have cited text messages in the case, including a message Robinson allegedly sent to a romantic partner, but AP coverage did not identify Twiggs or confirm the protection details.