The legal team for the man accused of murdering conservative activist Charlie Kirk has launched a dramatic bid to have the entire prosecution team removed from the high-profile case, citing an alleged conflict of interest.
Defence Alleges Prosecutorial Bias
Attorneys for Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old charged with the aggravated murder of Charlie Kirk, filed a motion arguing that prosecutors should be disqualified. The defence claims a significant conflict exists because an adult child of a deputy county attorney was present at the rally where the shooting occurred.
Kirk was shot in the neck on September 10 last year while speaking at a rally on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem. The trial is taking place in a Provo courthouse just miles from the scene.
Court documents reveal that the 18-year-old child, who has not been named, texted their father in the Utah County Attorney's Office immediately after the incident, writing "CHARLIE GOT SHOT." Defence lawyer Richard Novak contends this personal connection has compromised the prosecution's objectivity, especially as they intend to seek the death penalty for Robinson, who has pleaded not guilty.
Courtroom Clash Over 'Stalling Tactics'
During a hearing on Friday, Novak urged Judge Tony Graf to replace the local prosecutors with the state attorney general's office. He argued the county team cannot fairly litigate for the state while simultaneously defending their own suitability to stay on the case.
In a sharp rebuttal, Utah County Attorney Richard Gray dismissed the motion as a last-minute "ambush and another stalling tactic to delay these proceedings." Prosecutors have asked Judge Graf to deny the disqualification request.
Gray stated in a filing that the child was "neither a material witness nor a victim," and that their knowledge of the homicide is largely hearsay. He argued there is "virtually no risk" the relationship would impair a father-prosecutor's ability to handle the case fairly.
Legal Experts Doubt Motion's Success
The unusual request faces an uphill battle, according to legal observers. Robert Church, Director of the Utah Prosecution Council, said he knew of no other major case where attorneys were disqualified for such bias. "I would bet against the defence winning this motion," Church commented. "They've got to show a substantial amount of prejudice and bias."
If the motion were successful, the complex case would likely be transferred to another office with sufficient resources, such as Salt Lake City prosecutors or the state attorney general's office.
Ongoing Proceedings and University Fallout
The prosecution's case, which reportedly includes DNA evidence and text messages, will be outlined at a preliminary hearing scheduled to begin on May 18. In one alleged message, Robinson told his romantic partner he targeted Kirk because he "had enough of his hatred."
Meanwhile, the university where the tragedy unfolded is undergoing significant changes. President Astrid Tuminez announced she will step down after the semester ends in May. The institution has also moved to expand its police force and add security managers after criticism over safety lapses on the day of the shooting.
In related courtroom orders, Judge Graf has prohibited media from publishing images showing Robinson's restraints to protect his presumption of innocence. A decision on a broader defence request to ban cameras from the courtroom is still pending.
