Prosecutors to Seek death Penalty in Charlie Kirk Shooting
Prosecutors will seek the death penalty for Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of killing political activist Charlie Kirk with a single shot at Utah valley University, officials announced Tuesday.
“I do not take this decision lightly,” said Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Gray during a news conference. “It’s a decision I made independently as county attorney.”
Robinson has been charged with seven counts, including one count of aggravated murder and two counts of obstruction of justice, for allegedly hiding the rifle used in the killing and disposing of his clothes. He also faces two counts of witness tampering after allegedly instructing his roommate to delete incriminating texts and asking them not to talk to investigators.
Gray detailed how Robinson’s parents frist suspected their son after images from the university were released publicly.He also provided details of a text exchange between Robinson and his roommate, a person transitioning to female with whom he was romantically involved, in which robinson apparently confessed to the killing.
According to the exchange, robinson’s partner appeared to have no knowledge that he had taken a rifle or planned the shooting for about a week.
“You weren’t the one who did it, right?” the roommate texted Robinson after the shooting, according to Gray.
“I am. I’m sorry,” Robinson responded, according to Gray.
While officials searched for the gunman, Robinson allegedly texted his partner, explaining his decision to kill Kirk.
“Why?” his partner texted.
“Why did I do it?” Robinson responded.
“Yeah,” the roommate replied, according to Gray.
“I had enough of his hatred,” Robinson allegedly replied. “Some hate can’t be negotiated.”
Kirk, 31, was an influential figure in conservative and right-wing circles, known for his views on topics including abortion, immigration, and gender identity. His death during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University last week shocked the nation and sparked debate over the motivations of his accused killer.
In his first court hearing Tuesday, Robinson appeared before Judge Tony Graf wearing an anti-suicide smock. Appearing via video feed from Utah County jail, Robinson spoke only when asked to state his name.
Graf found Robinson to be indigent and ordered an attorney to be assigned for his defense. He ordered Robinson held without bail until his next hearing on Sept. 29.
The FBI said it collected a screwdriver containing Robinson’s DNA on the rooftop of a building at Utah Valley University and a firearm wrapped in a towel discarded in a nearby wooded area. The towel also had Robinson’s DNA on it, and the firearm is being processed for forensic evidence, according to FBI Director Kash patel.
During the news conference, Gray referred to Kirk’s killing as an “American tragedy.”