Utah Prosecutors to Seek Death Penalty in Charlie Kirk Murder Case, Cite Confession in Texts

Utah prosecutors announced Tuesday they will seek the death penalty for Tyler Robinson, 22, the man accused of assassinating conservative political activist Charlie Kirk in what authorities have called a premeditated, ideologically motivated attack.
Newly filed court documents reveal private text messages in which Robinson allegedly confessed to the killing, providing the clearest insight yet into a possible motive behind the high-profile shooting.
“I had enough of his hatred,” Robinson reportedly wrote to his roommate and romantic partner, according to transcripts submitted by the prosecution. The chilling admission is central to the state’s argument that the killing was intentional and qualifies for capital punishment under Utah law.
A Case That Shocked the Nation
Charlie Kirk, 31, was a nationally recognized conservative figure and founder of Turning Point USA. He was shot and killed outside a political event in downtown Salt Lake City last month. The attack sent shockwaves through political circles and prompted widespread bipartisan condemnation.
Robinson was arrested hours later following a multi-agency manhunt. Authorities say surveillance footage, witness accounts, and now private messages all link him directly to the crime.
Prosecutors Present Evidence of Premeditation
In the court filing, prosecutors outline a timeline of events suggesting that Robinson had been tracking Kirk’s public appearances, and had discussed his disdain for the activist in private messages prior to the shooting. The state argues that these factors indicate clear premeditation, a critical legal threshold in seeking the death penalty.
“The decision to pursue capital punishment is not made lightly,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Rachel Adams in a press briefing. “The evidence in this case, including the defendant’s own words, points to a deliberate and ideologically driven act of violence.”
Defense Response Expected
Robinson has not yet entered a formal plea, and his defense attorneys have not commented on the new disclosures. Legal analysts expect the defense may argue mental illness or emotional distress as mitigating factors during trial proceedings.
The judge has set a pre-trial hearing for next month, where both sides will present arguments on admissibility of evidence and trial timelines.
The case is being closely watched nationwide, both for its political implications and for the rare use of Utah’s death penalty statute, which has seen limited application in recent decades.