Utah prosecutors have announced they will seek the death penalty against Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk on the campus of Utah Valley University last week.
Court filings include text messages in which Robinson allegedly admitted to carrying out the rooftop sniper attack, telling his roommate, “I had enough of his hatred.”
Investigators say Robinson, a trade student, planned the shooting for more than a week. The rifle used in the attack reportedly belonged to his grandfather, with DNA evidence linking Robinson to the weapon.
After the killing, Robinson allegedly instructed his roommate to look under his keyboard, where he had left a handwritten note declaring his intent to murder Kirk. Prosecutors say Robinson urged the roommate to delete their messages and avoid police.
He remained at large for more than 30 hours before surrendering, reportedly after his parents and a retired sheriff family friend persuaded him to turn himself in. At his initial court appearance, Robinson wore a suicide-prevention smock and showed no visible emotion as a judge read seven charges, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering.
The case has sparked fierce political debate. Former President Donald Trump and several Republican figures have demanded capital punishment, blaming “radical left” extremism. Civil rights advocates, meanwhile, have pointed to Kirk’s history of inflammatory remarks against minorities, women, and transgender people as a factor in the escalating hostility.
Prosecutors argue that Robinson targeted Kirk for his political views and committed the act knowing children were present — factors that qualify the case for the death penalty under Utah law.
Kirk, 31, co-founded Turning Point USA and was a prominent Trump ally, credited with mobilizing conservative Gen Z voters. His assassination, widely shared in viral videos, has intensified national fears of political violence and possible retaliatory attacks.
Robinson remains held without bail. His next court hearing is scheduled for September 29.