A man has been charged with aggravated murder for allegedly shooting Charlie Kirk with a bolt-action rifle during a rally at Utah Valley University. Tyler Robinson, 22, is also facing charges of felony discharge of a firearm and obstructing justice. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Robinson.
Robinson, who was set to appear in a virtual court hearing, is accused of seven charges, including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and committing a violent crime in the presence of children.
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announced the decision to seek the death penalty, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime and the evidence available. Robinson turned himself in to authorities after a manhunt, prompted by his father recognizing him in CCTV footage.
Investigators have interviewed Robinson’s family and executed a search warrant at his residence in Washington, Utah. DNA evidence linking Robinson to the crime scene, along with a note indicating his intent to harm Kirk, have been revealed. Authorities believe Robinson held animosity towards Kirk due to his conservative views and involvement with online extremist ideologies.
The FBI Director confirmed Robinson’s written message expressing his plan to kill Kirk, underscoring the premeditated nature of the crime. Investigators reconstructed the note’s contents after it was destroyed. The case continues to unfold as the legal proceedings progress.
