Taxpayer Cost For Suspected Charlie Kirk Assassin S Death Penalty Case

Bonisiwe Shabane

-Nov 18, 2025, 2:23 AM

taxpayer cost for suspected charlie kirk assassin s death penalty case

Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani told Fox News Digital that alleged Charlie Kirk assassin's defense could cost Utah taxpayers over $10 million. Utah taxpayers are on the hook for Charlie Kirk's alleged assassin's defense team, which has the potential to reach eight figures, criminal defense attorneys told Fox News Digital. After the shooting on Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, Kirk was taken to a hospital in critical condition, where he died, officials said. Tyler Robinson was charged with aggravated murder, two counts of obstruction of justice and felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, two counts of witness tampering and commission of a violent offense... Kathryn Nester, a former federal public defender with more than 30 years of experience, was appointed to be Robinson's attorney on Wednesday, according to a Utah County spokesperson.

While the Utah County Commission approved $1 million in initial staffing additions to go towards the prosecution and defense team in Robinson's case, local attorneys told Fox News Digital that they expect the total... CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION: TIMELINE OF UTAH CAMPUS SHOOTING DETAILS ATTACK, MANHUNT FOR SUSPECT Utah County leaders are now busy navigating increasing costs, public frustration and media attention over the United States’ obligation to pay for defense attorneys in the case against Tyler Robinson, Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin. Commissioner Amelia Powers Gardner, one of three elected county commissioners who oversee policy, operations and finances, said that Utah County has already had to spend "just over a quarter of a million dollars" on... The figure is expected to double by the year’s end, and might even reach around $5 million over the next year and a half, she added. "Under the Constitution, we have a right to a competent defense," Powers Gardner said, per the outlet.

"It is imperative that if we want to have a society that we believe in justice, that justice needs to be fair and equal." Powers Gardner said that she has heard from frustrated constituents that taxpayer dollars will fund his defense. However, she stressed the county’s duty to ensure a fair trial, especially in a case that might result in the death penalty. Powers Gardner said that she is working to keep the community united after the tragedy. "My job is also to be a leader for my community, and that’s what I have focused on," she said. "You have to keep in mind, not everybody who was traumatized that day was a Charlie Kirk supporter.

There were hundreds of people there that were protesting at that event and were just as traumatized that they saw a father and husband murdered." Read More | Tulsi Gabbard holds back tears as she honors Charlie Kirk, ‘The time that we have in this world is temporary’ | Video (Laura Seitz | Pool) Defense attorneys Richard G. Novak, left, Michael N. Burt, and Kathryn Nester, who are representing Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, appear at a waiver hearing in 4th District Court in Provo on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025.

Utah County officials say the increased attention and public scrutiny of the death penalty case against Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk, contributed to their decision to pay... Robinson is accused of shooting Kirk, the controversial Turning Point USA founder, on Sept. 10 while Kirk was speaking in front of thousands at Utah Valley University. Utah County prosecutors charged him with seven counts, including aggravated murder, and he faces a potential death sentence if he’s convicted. (Left: Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune; right: Utah County Sheriff's Office) Kathryn Nester, left, the defense attorney assigned to represent Tyler Robinson has filed a motion arguing that Robinson should be allowed... Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder in the Sept.

10, 2025, shooting death of political activist Charlie Kirk. A judge has found that Robinson can’t afford his own attorney — so Utah County is now constitutionally required to foot the bill for his defense. Officials have estimated it could cost more than $1 million to fund both the prosecution and the defense. As Tyler Robinson faces charges in the high-profile assassination of Charlie Kirk, Utah’s county and state governments are bracing for what could become an extraordinarily expensive legal ordeal — with taxpayers footing the bill. Robinson, 22, was formally charged on Sept. 16 with aggravated murder, along with multiple related counts including obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and discharging a firearm.

Prosecutors announced their intent to pursue the death penalty in the case. Because Robinson has been found indigent, the state is obligated to provide a qualified legal defense — a cost burden that local residents and taxpayers may absorb for years to come. In anticipation of mounting legal costs, the Utah County Commission has already approved $1 million to cover trial expenses, including prosecutorial work and the defense. County officials estimate Robinson’s defense alone could cost at least $750,000, while total combined costs (defense + prosecution) may exceed $1.3 million. Yet many observers warn that this is only the start. In capital cases involving complex evidence, appeals, and prolonged proceedings, costs often escalate into multi-million-dollar territories.

Kathryn Nester, a veteran federal public defender with more than three decades of experience, was appointed last Wednesday to represent Robinson, according to a Utah County spokesperson. The Utah County Commission has already approved $1 million in initial funding to support staffing for both the prosecution and defense teams in the high-profile case. However, local attorneys told Fox News that the total cost of Robinson’s legal defense is expected to climb well beyond that initial figure. The leaders of Utah County are currently facing rising expenses, heightened national media coverage, and public dissatisfaction as they are compelled to finance the defense attorneys for Tyler Robinson. Robinson stands accused of the murder of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA. Amelia Powers Gardner, one of the three elected county commissioners who manage policy, operations, and financial decisions, disclosed that Utah County has already allocated “just over a quarter of a million dollars” towards the...

This amount is anticipated to double by the end of the year and could potentially reach an estimated $5 million within the next 18 months. “The Constitution grants us the right to a competent defense,” stated Powers Gardner. “For us to truly believe in justice, it is crucial that it remains fair and impartial.” She acknowledged the frustration among citizens who are concerned about their taxes funding Robinson’s defense but stressed the... Alongside addressing financial concerns, Powers Gardner highlighted her responsibility in fostering community unity following the tragic event that has impacted residents, regardless of their political views. The case has drawn significant attention, with booking photos of Tyler Robinson, 22, released to the public. Robinson is the suspect in the high-profile murder case that has left a deep imprint on the Utah community.

As the trial progresses, the county continues to weigh its duties against the backdrop of public scrutiny and a high-stakes legal battle. Sep 18, 2025, 12:02 PM | Updated: Sep 25, 2025, 9:43 am SALT LAKE CITY — Utah County announced the name of the defense attorney who will represent the man accused of shooting and killing Charlie Kirk at UVU, and according to legal experts, the price... KSL Legal Analyst Greg Skordas helped Utah County select the legal representation for the alleged shooter, Tyler James Robinson, 22. The Utah County Commission announced on Wednesday that its members unanimously approved a contract to appoint Kathryn Nester as Robinson’s defense attorney. The reason for such a high cost, Skordas said, is because prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in Robinson’s case.

Fox News contributor Paul Mauro joins 'America's Newsroom' to share more details on Charlie Kirk's suspected assassin, as well as his roommate's potential culpability and the growing issue of how Gen Z's internet access... OREM, Utah – The murder case against the man accused of killing conservative speaker Charlie Kirk is already facing major legal hurdles — from questions about defense funding to whether the crime even qualifies... Tyler Robinson, 22, is being held without bail at the Utah County Jail. Prosecutors say he climbed onto a rooftop at Utah Valley University, shot Kirk from about 200 yards away and fled before surrendering near his home in Washington, Utah. Defending Robinson is proving to be no simple task. Utah requires attorneys in death penalty cases to have prior trial and capital case experience, and at least two must be appointed.

That level of commitment can consume a year or more of full-time work, experts told Fox News Digital, forcing lawyers to set aside other clients and personal obligations. "It’s a huge undertaking to represent someone in a case like this," Utah criminal defense lawyer Randall Spencer, who has handled multiple murder and high profile cases, told Fox News Digital. "It really is a sacrifice for defense attorneys who take on this kind of work."

Taxpayer Cost For Suspected Charlie Kirk Assassin S Death Penalty Case

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