Tyler Robinson Charged in Charlie Kirk Shooting; Utah Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty
Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with seven counts in connection with the fatal shooting of right-wing organizer and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announced the charges, which include aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, and obstruction of justice, and said prosecutors will seek the death penalty.
Tyler Robinson charged with aggravated murder in Charlie Kirk's killing; Utah prosecutors seek death penalty; FBI ties suspect via DNA match.
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Jeff Gray described Kirk’s killing as “an American tragedy” and said Kirk was killed “while engaging in one of our most sacred and cherished American rights.” Gray added that he filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty and said the decision was based on the evidence and circumstances of the crime.
Robinson made a virtual first court appearance following his arrest. Authorities say he is suspected of shooting and killing Kirk at an event held at Utah Valley University. A two-day manhunt preceded Robinson’s arrest, during which the FBI interrogated and later released at least two other persons of interest.
Law enforcement officials report that Robinson was turned in to authorities by his family after they recognized him from photos released by the FBI. Prosecutors said Robinson initially denied being the person shown in the photos when confronted by his mother, then ultimately surrendered alongside his parents and a family friend.
Prosecutors presented statements attributed to Robinson’s mother saying he had become “more political” and “more pro-gay and trans-rights oriented,” and that he had been dating a roommate who is a biological male transitioning genders. The roommate told investigators that Robinson messaged them about the shooting and that those messages were provided to authorities.
Officials say a note was found after Robinson messaged the roommate on Sept. 10, telling them to look under his keyboard. The roommate reportedly found a note that read, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it.” The roommate asked if Robinson was joking; prosecutors say Robinson said he was not and claimed responsibility for the killing, according to the account provided by the county attorney’s office.
Governor Spencer Cox said investigators recovered a “high-powered bolt-action rifle” believed to be the weapon used in the shooting. Cox also described inscriptions on fired and unfired casings, reporting language that included phrases and symbols allegedly referencing video games, online memes, and other statements.
The FBI announced a further link between Robinson and the shooting by reporting a positive DNA match to a towel that was found wrapped around the rifle and to a screwdriver discovered near the suspected sniper’s nest. FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News that Robinson had sent a text message saying he planned to kill Kirk and that a “destroyed” note was reconstructed by the bureau, though that reconstructed note has not been made public.
Robinson faces the set of felony and homicide counts announced by the Utah County Attorney’s Office, and prosecutors have stated they will pursue the death penalty. The case remains under investigation and additional evidence and legal proceedings are expected as the matter moves through the court system.
