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The individual suspected of killing prominent US conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been officially charged in Utah, authorities announced Tuesday.
Kirk, a key supporter of President Donald Trump, was shot last week during a speaking engagement at a Utah university campus. He is the founder of Turning Point USA, a notable conservative youth organization.
Law enforcement reported that 22-year-old Tyler Robinson fired a rifle from a rooftop, hitting Kirk once in the neck. Robinson was apprehended after a search lasting more than a day.
“Based on the evidence collected so far, I am charging Tyler James Robinson, aged 22, with the following crimes,” said Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray during a press briefing.
“Count one, aggravated murder—a capital offense—for intentionally or knowingly causing Charlie Kirk’s death under circumstances that presented a significant risk of harm to others.”
In addition to murder, Robinson faces six other charges, including obstructing justice and witness tampering, allegedly for instructing his roommate to remain silent.
“I am also pursuing the death penalty in this case,” Gray added.
“This decision was made independently, based solely on the evidence, circumstances, and heinous nature of the crime.”
Gray highlighted extensive text message exchanges between Robinson and his roommate, whom he identified as “a biological male undergoing gender transition.” The two were involved romantically.
Gray shared that messages included statements like, “‘Some hate can’t be negotiated out.'”
Robinson, in custody without bail, is scheduled to appear in court later Tuesday, with the hearing expected to be conducted via video conference, per county procedures.
Kirk, a father of two, used his social media platforms—including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube—to advocate for conservative principles, often sharply criticizing the transgender rights movement. He frequently posted edited clips of debates at college events, making him a controversial figure.
FBI Director Kash Patel faced heavy criticism for his actions immediately after the shooting, especially for quickly announcing an arrest of a different suspect, only to retract that confirmation two hours later.
Patel was questioned during a Senate hearing on Tuesday, with exchanges becoming quite heated, notably with Democratic Senator Cory Booker.
Since his appointment by Trump to lead the FBI, Patel has been scrutinized from both ends of the political spectrum.
On Monday, the White House revealed plans to investigate an alleged left-wing “domestic terror movement” in response to Kirk’s murder, raising concerns that such investigations could suppress political dissent.
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