The suspect in Charlie Kirk's murder faces premeditated murder charges as the FBI investigates potential domestic terrorism links in the United States.
Utah County Prosecutor Jeffrey Gray announced that he will seek the death penalty for Tyler Robinson, charged with the premeditated murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
According to Gray, the decision was made independently and reflects the severity of the crime. “I am going to seek the death penalty. I do not take this decision lightly,” the prosecutor said at a press conference.
According to the prosecution, Robinson left text messages for his partner, with whom he lived, and wrote a note stating that he had the opportunity to kill one of the most influential conservative voices in the United States and that he would take it. The rifle used in the attack matched his DNA, strengthening the evidence against him.
Robinson also confessed to having planned the attack for more than a week, carefully choosing the timing and location to shoot Charlie Kirk, a central figure in the Republican youth movement and a key ally of Donald Trump in his 2024 return to the White House.
The shooting occurred on September 10 at an event at Utah Valley University. Robinson shot Kirk in the neck from a nearby building on the Orem campus, about 64 kilometers south of Salt Lake City.
Following the incident, his roommate, Adam Johnson, was charged with obstruction of justice for hiding evidence, including ammunition and Robinson’s mobile phone.
The FBI has opened a parallel investigation to determine if domestic terrorism laws were violated, as Robinson had messages and plans targeting other political figures. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that authorities are investigating “anyone and everyone” connected to a Discord gaming chat where Robinson shared ideas about attacks.
In his video court appearance, Robinson claimed he targeted Kirk because he saw him as a “threat to the country.” The suspect’s partner, though shocked, has cooperated with authorities, providing details on text messages Robinson sent after the shooting.
Family members indicated that Robinson had recently shifted his political and social views, supporting transgender rights after starting his relationship with his current partner. This caused conflicts with his parents, especially his father, who became a staunch MAGA supporter following Trump’s election.
Robinson’s mother confirmed that family discussions were often heated and that Robinson had considered suicide before surrendering, eventually being persuaded by a family friend and retired deputy sheriff.
The judge ordered Robinson held without bail and scheduled the next court hearing for September 29. The FBI investigation continues, reviewing communications and possible conspiracies within the Discord chat.
Patel stated that the goal is to clarify whether the Charlie Kirk shooting is part of a broader pattern of political violence in the United States.
The case has shaken the nation and reignited debates over the security of public figures, domestic extremism, and the application of the death penalty in high-profile crimes.
Meanwhile, the conservative community and supporters of Charlie Kirk have expressed shock and concern, highlighting the polarizing effect of political violence in today’s United States.
