Charlie Kirk shooting: Tyler Robinson charged with aggravated murder, prosecutors seek death penalty

Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray speaks during a news conference announcing charges filed against Tyler Robinson, the man accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk. (Photo: AP)

“It is also an offense against the state and to the peace and enjoyment of the people of Utah and of all those who visit here, Gray said, adding that the prosecution will seek the death penalty for Robinson, who is being held without bail.

DoJ could bring federal charges

Utah Governor Spencer Cox had said the state would be inclined to seek the death penalty should Robinson be convicted, but that prosecutors would consider the wishes of Kirk’s family before making that decision.

Earlier, US Attorney General Pam Bondi said the Department of Justice would review the case separately to determine whether federal charges should be pursued.

“And of course, if we do, we will also indict and work hand-in-hand with the state to ensure that this horrible human being faces the maximum extent of the law,” Bondi told Fox News on Monday.

Killing of Charlie Kirk

Robinson, a trade school student, is accused of firing the single rifle shot from a rooftop sniper’s nest that pierced Kirk’s neck last Wednesday on the campus of Utah Valley University.

He was arrested on Thursday night at his parents’ house, in the city of St. George, some 420 km southwest of the crime scene, after relatives and a family friend alerted authorities that Robinson had implicated himself in the shooting.

Robinson confessed in Discord message

Since his arrest, additional evidence, including a message Robinson had sent via the online platform Discord to friends shortly before he was arrested, has surfaced. In the message, Robinson appears to be confessing to the crime.

31-year-old Kirk, the co-founder and head of the conservative student movement Turning Point USA and a key ally of President Donald Trump, was speaking at an event attended by 3,000 people when he was gunned down.

How did Robinson get away

The suspect, a third-year student of an electrical apprenticeship at a state technical college, initially escaped in the pandemonium following the shooting.

According to the prosecutor, Robinson might have concealed the murder weapon in his pants as he walked on campus, tipping off authorities with his “unusual gait.”

“As he proceeds across the campus, he is seen walking with an unusual gait,” Gray said.

“The suspect walks with very little bending in his right leg, consistent with a rifle being hidden in his pants.”

Robinson acted alone

It was unclear whether Robinson had an attorney who could speak on his behalf, and his family has declined to speak to the media.

Law enforcement authorities have said they believe Robinson acted alone but are looking into whether anyone else had a hand in plotting the killing or knew in advance of Robinson’s intentions.

On Monday, FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News interview that investigators had uncovered a text message posted by Robinson before last Wednesday’s shooting saying he planned to kill Kirk.

Patel said Robinson also is believed to have written a physical note saying he had the “opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk” and would do so. Although that note was destroyed, investigators have collected forensic evidence that it existed and confirmed its contents through interviews, Patel said.

Patel did not say who had received the text message or whether anyone had seen the written note before the attack.

Robinson’s roommate ‘cooperating’

Investigators have spoken to Robinson’s roommate, who was also a romantic partner, officials have said. Cox described the roommate as “a male transitioning to female,” and said the roommate has been “incredibly cooperative.”

What Robinson told roommate

According to the prosecutors, Robinson had become increasingly concerned about gay and trans rights.

“When asked why he did it, Robinson explained there is too much evil in the guy, referring to Charlie Kirk,” Gray said.

Robinson also allegedly told his roommate in a text chat that he had to kill Kirk when the opportunity presented itself.

“I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out,” Robinson told his roommate, according to Gray. “If I am able to grab my rifle unseen, I will have left no evidence.”

Gray said Robinson’s mother told authorities that he had begun to date his roommate, who “was transitioning genders.”

The roommate told authorities that Robinson texted on September 10.

“Drop what you’re doing, look under my keyboard,” the message read, according to Gray.

“I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it,” the note found by the roommate read.

When the roommate asked Robinson if he was joking, the suspect responded, “I am still OK, my love. … Shouldn’t be long till I can get home, but I gotta grab my rifle still. To be honest, I had hoped to keep this secret until I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you.”

Robinson instructed the roommate to delete their text conversation, Gray said.