Prosecutors asked a judge to deny Tyler Robinson’s motion to disqualify a deputy prosecutor, saying the deputy’s 18-year-old child who attended the Sept. 10, 2025 event was a distant, non-eyewitness among thousands. Texts released in a redacted filing show initial confusion — "SOMEONE GOT SHOT" followed later by "CHARLIE GOT SHOT" — which prosecutors say reflect secondhand reporting, not firsthand knowledge. The teen was roughly 85 feet away with obstructed views and, according to a sworn affidavit, suffered no lasting trauma. A hearing on the motion is set for Jan. 16; if granted, the Utah County Attorney’s Office could be removed and the case delayed.
Prosecutors: Teen’s Texts From Charlie Kirk Shooting Show Confusion, Not Conflict — Urge Judge To Deny Disqualification
Charlie Kirk appears at Utah Valley University Sept. 10, 2025 in Orem, Utah. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at his "American Comeback Tour" when he was shot in the neck and killed.
State prosecutors have asked a judge to reject accused shooter Tyler Robinson’s bid to disqualify a deputy prosecutor, arguing that the deputy’s family connection does not create a disqualifying conflict of interest.
Filing Details
In a 33-page filing originally submitted under seal and since released in redacted form, prosecutors say the deputy’s 18-year-old child — who attended the Sept. 10, 2025 Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University where Charlie Kirk was fatally shot — was one of thousands in the crowd and had no direct knowledge of the shooting.
The crowd reacts after Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, is shot at Utah Valley University Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, in Orem, Utah.
Text Messages And Eyewitness Claim
The filing includes text messages exchanged in the minutes after the shooting. Prosecutors say those messages show confusion and secondhand reporting rather than an eyewitness account that could improperly influence prosecutorial judgment. According to the filing, the teen first texted, "SOMEONE GOT SHOT," then reassured family members, "I’m okay, everyone is going inside." Only later, after hearing others, did the teen text, "CHARLIE GOT SHOT," and relay what "people were saying" about where Kirk had been struck and where a possible shooter may have been located.
"The texts reflect confusion and rumor, not firsthand observation," the filing states.
Distance, Sightlines And Aftermath
Prosecutors say the teen was approximately 85 feet from the stage, had buildings blocking any clear line of sight to the shooter, did not see a weapon and fled after hearing what sounded like a loud "pop." A sworn affidavit appended to the filing says the teen was frightened at the time but experienced no lasting trauma, required no counseling and soon returned to normal school and work activities.
Charlie Kirk speaks before he is assassinated during Turning Point's visit to Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah on Sept. 10, 2025.
Death Penalty Decision And Defense Objection
Robinson’s motion points to the deputy’s family member at the event and notes that prosecutors sought the death penalty the same day charges were filed, arguing those facts suggest bias or a rush to judgment. Prosecutors counter that the decision to pursue capital charges was based on the strength of the evidence, applicable Utah law and a desire to limit speculation and misinformation in a case that immediately drew national attention.
What’s Next
A judge is scheduled to hear oral arguments on the disqualification motion on Friday, Jan. 16. If the court grants the motion, the entire Utah County Attorney’s Office could be removed from the prosecution, requiring appointment of a special prosecutor and potentially delaying trial proceedings and the state’s pursuit of capital punishment.
The reporting notes contributions from Fox News reporters Lee Ross and Michael Ruiz.
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