It’s one of the few states that uses methods other than lethal injection

When tragedy strikes, questions of justice and punishment often come to the forefront. The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has shaken the nation and reignited one of America’s most divisive debates: the use of the death penalty.

The case took a dramatic turn on September 12, when authorities arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson of Utah in connection with the killing. Investigators say he opened fire at Utah Valley University, where thousands were present, striking Kirk with a fatal shot. Prosecutors are now weighing whether Robinson’s alleged actions meet Utah’s definition of aggravated murder — a charge that could make him eligible for capital punishment.

Utah stands apart in the modern death penalty landscape. While 27 states still permit executions, Utah retains the firing squad as an option if lethal injection is unavailable or if the inmate requests it. This practice, steeped in the state’s frontier history, has been used as recently as 2010, drawing international scrutiny each time it resurfaces.

Political leaders wasted no time signaling their stance. Governor Spencer Cox vowed to pursue “the furthest extent of the law,” reminding citizens that Utah still enforces capital punishment. Former President Donald Trump went further, calling for Robinson to receive the death penalty if convicted, a statement that fueled both support and criticism. Some argue such remarks risk influencing the judicial process before a trial even begins.

Yet the realities of Utah’s system complicate these strong words. Only four men currently sit on death row, and none have been executed since 2010. Lengthy appeals, shifting public opinion, and human rights concerns often delay or halt executions, even when guilt is firmly established.

Whether Robinson’s case moves swiftly through the courts or drags on for years, it has already revived debate about the morality, fairness, and effectiveness of the death penalty. Supporters view it as ultimate justice for heinous crimes, while opponents see it as costly, flawed, and outdated.

Charlie Kirk’s death now forces Utah to confront these questions in real time. If Robinson is convicted, the state may once again decide whether justice means life in prison — or execution by needle or firing squad.