WASHINGTON – Prosecutors in Utah has announced they will pursue the death penalty for 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson, charged in the fatal shooting of right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk last week, Anadolu News Agency (AA) reported.
Robinson faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder, a capital offense and felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury. Prosecutors allege that he targeted Kirk for his political views.
Additional charges include obstruction of justice for concealing the rifle and clothing used in the attack, and witness tampering for directing his roommate to delete incriminating messages. Robinson also faces a misdemeanor count for committing a violent offense in the presence of a child, according to AA.
Prosecutors Call Killing “An American Tragedy”
“The murder of Charlie Kirk is an American tragedy. Charlie Kirk was murdered while engaging in one of our most sacred and cherished American rights, the bedrock of our democratic republic, the free exchange of ideas in a search for truth, understanding and a more perfect union,” Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray told reporters at a news conference, as quoted by AA.
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot on September 10 while addressing students at Utah Valley University in Orem, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City.
Investigators said DNA “consistent with” Robinson’s was found on the trigger of the rifle recovered near the scene, as well as on other parts of the weapon, the towel it was wrapped in, the casing of a fired round, and three additional unfired cartridges.
Arrest and Evidence Collection
Robinson was arrested last Thursday in Washington County after relatives alerted law enforcement, AA reported. A bolt-action rifle and engraved bullet casings were recovered near the Utah Valley University campus. He is being held without bail at Utah County Jail.
Gray said investigators also discovered text messages in which Robinson allegedly admitted the shooting to his roommate, described as a romantic partner and “a biological male who was transitioning genders.”
“I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out,” Robinson allegedly wrote in one of the messages.
Note Suggests Premeditation
A search of Robinson’s home uncovered a handwritten note in which he allegedly stated, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it,” according to AA.
Robinson later appeared in court via video link, where Judge Tony Graf read the charges against him and granted a pretrial protective order for Erika Kirk, the late commentator’s widow.
The next hearing, a waiver proceeding, is scheduled for September 29. Robinson remains in custody.
