Charlie Kirk Assassination Trial Heats Up: Shooter Tyler Robinson Fights Back in Court!

Charlie Kirk remains a hot search on Google months after his tragic assassination in September 2025, with fresh spikes from the ongoing trial. In a dramatic Utah court hearing on Feb 3, 2026, alleged shooter Tyler Robinson, 22, argued to disqualify the entire prosecutor's office, claiming bias while they pursue the death penalty.

The defense is also pushing back against showing graphic videos of the shooting at Utah Valley University, which went viral and fueled debates on free speech and political violence. Erika Kirk, his widow and new Turning Point USA leader, continues to honor his legacy amid the controversy.

Charlie Kirk, the conservative firebrand and Turning Point USA founder, remains one of the most searched names on Google – topping the entire 2025 Year in Search list after his shocking assassination on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University. The viral video of the open-air event shooting still fuels debates on free speech, political violence, and justice.

Fast-forward to now: On February 3, 2026, alleged shooter Tyler Robinson (22) appeared stoically in a Provo courtroom for a heated evidentiary hearing. His defense team is aggressively pushing to disqualify the entire Utah County Attorney's Office from prosecuting the case – arguing a major conflict of interest because lead prosecutor Chad Grunander's 18-year-old daughter was present at the event, texted her father frantically right after the shots rang out, and witnessed the chaos firsthand.

Grunander testified under oath, firmly denying any personal bias influenced the decision to seek the death penalty against Robinson (who faces aggravated murder and other charges). He insisted the call came from strong evidence, not emotion. The defense counters that the rapid push for capital punishment (announced shortly after the killing) shows "strong emotional reaction" tied to the family connection.

Judge Tony Graf heard over two hours of arguments, including testimony from witnesses and prosecutors. He denied a defense request to refer the case to the Utah AG's office and will deliver his ruling on disqualification at a scheduled February 24, 2026, hearing. Meanwhile, the defense is also fighting to block graphic videos of the shooting from being shown in court, claiming they could prejudice proceedings – while Erika Kirk (Charlie's widow, now leading TPUSA) and media outlets push for open access.