Prosecutors in Utah announced that they will pursue the death penalty against Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk, citing evidence that included text messages in which the suspect allegedly confessed to the killing.
Robinson is accused of fatally shooting Kirk, 31, with a single rifle round to the neck while the Turning Point USA co-founder spoke before 3,000 people at Utah Valley University last Wednesday.
Prosecutors say Robinson fired from a rooftop before fleeing, later telling his roommate and romantic partner in a text: “I had enough of his hatred.”
Utah County District Attorney Jeffrey Gray filed seven charges against Robinson, including aggravated murder, the only charge under state law eligible for the death penalty, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering.
At a press conference, Gray stressed that the decision to seek capital punishment was made “independently, based solely on the available evidence and the nature of the crime.”
Court filings detail how Robinson allegedly confessed in private messages to his roommate, who found a note reading: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”
When pressed if he was the shooter, Robinson reportedly replied: “I am, I’m sorry… Some hate can’t be negotiated out.” Prosecutors said he admitted planning the attack for more than a week and later expressed regret about leaving behind the rifle, which DNA evidence linked to him.
Robinson appeared in court via video from jail on Tuesday, unshaven and wearing a suicide-prevention smock. He spoke only to state his name as Judge Tony Graf informed him that he could face execution if convicted.
Finding Robinson indigent, the judge said a defense attorney would be appointed before the next hearing on September 29. He was ordered held without bail under “special watch protocols.”
The suspect turned himself in after his parents confronted him upon recognizing images of the gunman. Prosecutors said he had contemplated suicide before surrendering to police with the help of a retired sheriff’s deputy family friend. His unnamed roommate, described in filings as transitioning genders, is cooperating with investigators.
Kirk’s assassination, captured on viral videos, has intensified political tensions. Supporters hailed him as a conservative icon who energized young voters, while critics accused him of stoking division with rhetoric targeting minorities and immigrants.
President Donald Trump and other Republicans swiftly blamed the “radical left,” with Trump calling for Robinson’s execution. Civil rights groups, however, have warned against politicizing the tragedy, fearing further crackdowns on left-leaning organizations.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted after the killing found that about two-thirds of Americans believe inflammatory political rhetoric is contributing to violence, underscoring concerns that Kirk’s murder could deepen partisan strife.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
