Suspect in Charlie Kirk Shooting Formally Charged; Death Penalty on the Table
A Utah man accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk is now facing capital murder charges, with local prosecutors announcing their intention to pursue the death penalty.
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announced Tuesday that 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson has been charged with seven criminal counts, including murder, firing a weapon resulting in injury, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering. The latter stems from Robinson allegedly asking his romantic partner to delete a series of incriminating text messages sent after the incident.
“Charlie Kirk was murdered while engaging in one of our most sacred and cherished American rights, the free exchange of ideas,”
Gray said. He added that investigators are not currently looking for any additional suspects.
The fatal shooting occurred last week at Utah Valley University, where Kirk was speaking before a crowd of roughly 3,000 attendees during one of his regular campus events. Officials allege that Robinson fired a single shot from a rooftop on campus, striking Kirk in the neck as he was engaged in a debate about the rate of mass shootings among transgender individuals.
Prosecutors say Robinson confessed to the shooting in a string of texts to his partner, stating he acted because he had “had enough” of Kirk’s “hatred.”
According to investigators, Robinson’s mother told authorities that he had become increasingly political over the past year, leaning toward progressive views and more openly supporting LGBTQ+ rights. Robinson was reportedly in a relationship with a transgender woman, with whom he lived.
Authorities say forensic analysis placed Robinson’s DNA on the trigger of the bolt-action rifle used in the shooting. A note was later found under his computer keyboard that read:
“I have the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”
In text messages following the shooting, Robinson allegedly told his partner about the killing.
When the partner replied,
“What? You’re joking right? You weren’t the one who did it right?”
Robinson reportedly responded:
“I am. I’m sorry.” When asked for his motive, he allegedly wrote: “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
Prosecutors say Robinson also admitted he discarded the rifle shortly after the shooting but was unable to retrieve it due to nearby police presence.
The day after the incident, Robinson’s mother believed she recognized him in surveillance images released by law enforcement. Though Robinson initially told her he had been home sick, he eventually implied responsibility to his family and expressed suicidal thoughts. His parents and a family friend convinced him to surrender and escorted him to the sheriff’s office.
During a search of Robinson’s home, investigators reportedly found bullet-riddled shooting targets. In additional messages to his partner, Robinson allegedly urged them to erase their conversation and avoid speaking to authorities.
“Delete this exchange,” he wrote. “If any police ask any questions, ask for a lawyer and stay silent.” He also added, “Since Trump got into office, my Dad has been pretty die-hard MAGA.”
“You are all I worry about, love,” he wrote.
His partner replied: “I’m much more worried about you.”
