Charlie Kirk murder suspect faces formal charges in Utah court hearing
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Tyler Robinson, accused of killing Charlie Kirk in a Utah sniper attack, appears in court as new evidence emerges and authorities weigh federal charges.
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This photo, released by the Utah Governor's Office on September 12, 2025, shows Tyler Robinson (AP)
The suspect in the fatal sniper shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk made his first court appearance on Tuesday, facing formal charges in connection with what authorities have described as a politically charged assassination.
Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old trade school student, appeared via video feed from jail before a Utah County Justice Court judge. He is accused of firing a single, fatal rifle shot from a rooftop perch that struck Kirk in the neck during a public event at Utah Valley University in Orem.
Authorities charged Robinson with aggravated murder, felony weapons violations, and obstruction of justice. He was arrested Thursday night at his parents’ home, roughly 260 miles from the crime scene, after family members alerted police that he had implicated himself in the killing.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated that if convicted, the state would consider seeking the death penalty, pending consultation with Kirk’s family.
Kirk, 31, was the co-founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent ally of US President Donald Trump. He had been addressing a crowd of 3,000 attendees when the shooting occurred. He died later at a hospital.
Court appearance offers first public look at suspect
Tuesday’s hearing marked Robinson’s first public appearance since the attack. The Utah County District Attorney is expected to release further details about the charges during a press briefing.
Separately, US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the Department of Justice is reviewing the case to assess whether federal charges will be pursued.
"If we do, we will also indict and work hand-in-hand with the state to ensure that this horrible human being faces the maximum extent of the law," Bondi told Fox News on Monday.
Investigators probe motive, online confessions
While authorities have not officially disclosed a motive, multiple sources have reported damning evidence pointing to premeditation.
According to FBI Director Kash Patel, investigators uncovered a text message posted by Robinson before the shooting, stating his intent to kill Kirk. Additional forensic evidence links him to a handwritten note, since destroyed, stating he had an “opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk.”
The Washington Post reported that Robinson also sent a message via Discord, confessing to the crime shortly before his arrest. Security camera footage and items recovered from the rooftop, including a towel and screwdriver with DNA matching Robinson’s, further support the case.
National shock over political violence in US
The assassination has reignited national debate over the rising threat of political violence in the US. It follows two attempted assassinations of President Trump in 2024 and the killing of a Democratic lawmaker in Minnesota earlier this summer.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted after the shooting found that two-thirds of Americans believe that increasingly harsh political rhetoric is encouraging acts of violence.
Governor Cox said Robinson’s roommate, described as “a male transitioning to female,” has been “incredibly cooperative". Authorities believe Robinson acted alone, but are investigating whether others had prior knowledge or contributed to the planning.
