Tyler Robinson has been charged with the alleged murder of prominent activist Charlie Kirk during a campus event.
The 22-year-old Utah native is also facing multiple felony counts, including aggravated murder, as authorities uncover details of what they describe as a targeted political attack.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder of Turning Point USA and a vocal supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump, was delivering a speech at Utah Valley University as part of the organization’s “American Comeback” tour when he was struck by a single bullet to the neck.
The incident, which occurred in front of a crowd of thousands, was immediately labeled a “political assassination” by Utah Governor Spencer Cox.
Kirk’s death has prompted mourning across the U.S., with tributes pouring in from across the political spectrum.
Tyler Robinson, a third-year student in an electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College in St. George, Utah, was arrested following a 33-hour manhunt that ended late on September 12.
According to a probable cause affidavit from the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, Robinson is accused of using a high-powered Mauser 98 .30-06 rifle equipped with a scope to carry out the shooting from an elevated position near the campus.
Investigators recovered the weapon wrapped in a towel in nearby bushes, along with bullet casings inscribed with messages that authorities believe point to ideological motives.
Meanwhile, prosecutors in Utah announced on Tuesday that they have formally charged the suspect in the murder of Kirk.
“After reviewing the evidence that law enforcement has collected thus far, I am…charging Tyler James Robinson, age 22, with the following crimes,” Utah County attorney Jeff Gray told a press conference.
“Count one, aggravated murder, a capital offence, for intentionally or knowingly causing the death of Charlie Kirk under circumstances that created a great risk of death to others.”
Six other charges include obstruction of justice and witness tampering, allegedly for ordering his roommate to stay silent.
“I am filing a notice of intent to seek the death penalty,” Gray added.
“I do not take this decision lightly, and it is a decision I have made independently as county attorney based solely on the available evidence, circumstances, and nature of the crime.”
Jeff Gray also read out messages between Tyle Robinson and his roommate, who provided the texts to the police.
Gray revealed that the duo were in a romantic relationship and that Robinson’s roommate is a biological male who is undergoing a gender transition.
Robinson sent a message to his roommate saying: “Drop what you’re doing, look under my keyboard.”
Under the keyboard, there was a note from Robinson which said: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it.”
The roommate responded by saying: “What? You’re joking.”
At one point Robinson allegedly texted, referring to Kirk: “I’ve had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
Robinson also wrote: “To be honest I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you.”
The roommate replied: “You weren’t the one who did it, right?”
Robinson replied: “I am, I’m sorry.”
The roommate said: “I thought they caught the person?”
Robinson replied: “No, they grabbed some crazy old dude, then interrogated someone in similar clothing”.
