Tyler Robinson Charged with Aggravated Murder, Death Penalty Sought in Charlie Kirk Assassination
Tyler Robinson Charged with Aggravated Murder, Death Penalty Sought in Charlie Kirk Assassination
Prosecutors have formally charged Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder and announced their intent to seek the death penalty in connection with the assassination of prominent conservative political activist Charlie Kirk. Robinson, 22, made his initial court appearance on Tuesday, September 16, just a day before the current date of analysis.
Kirk’s killing six days prior at an event at Utah Valley University sent shockwaves across the nation, becoming the latest incident of violence tearing through American politics.
The charging document, filed as an information document, outlines compelling evidence against Robinson. Investigators collected DNA from the suspected murder weapon and obtained a texted confession. Key takeaways from the document hint at a possible motive: Robinson allegedly targeted Kirk due to his “belief or perception regarding Charlie Kirk’s political expression,” having told his roommate and family that Kirk “spreads too much hate” and he “had enough of his hatred.”
Beyond aggravated murder, Robinson faces six other charges, including two counts of obstruction of justice for allegedly concealing the firearm and destroying clothing, felony discharge of a firearm, and commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child. He also faces two charges of witness tampering for allegedly instructing his roommate to delete incriminating text messages and remain silent if questioned by police.
The document details chilling text messages from Robinson to his roommate on the day of the shooting, including a note found under a keyboard stating, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.” Robinson also confessed to planning the attack for over a week. Surveillance footage showed an individual consistent with Robinson’s description on the university roof where markings consistent with a sniper were found. DNA evidence from the rifle, found wrapped in a towel in a wooded area near UVU, further links Robinson to the crime. Messages engraved on bullet casings, including “Hey fascist! Catch!”, also suggest a political motivation, though others were meme-related.
Robinson surrendered to authorities approximately 33 hours after the shooting, after his parents recognized him in surveillance photos and convinced him to turn himself in with the help of a family friend. His parents reported that Robinson implied he was the shooter, stating, “There is too much evil and the guy [Charlie Kirk] spreads too much hate.”
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