Death penalty sought in Charlie Kirk assassination case
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Utah prosecutors reveal chilling texts and evidence as they charge Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder for the shooting of Charlie Kirk.
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Defense attorney Greg Skordas, left, speaks before Judge Tony Graf, background, in Provo, Utah, as Tyler Robinson, in monitor at right, accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk, attends the court hearing virtually from prison on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. (Scott G Winterton/The Deseret News via AP, Pool)
Utah prosecutors announced Tuesday they will pursue the death penalty against the man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Alongside the decision, officials released new details of the case, including text messages in which the suspect allegedly confessed to the killing.
According to court filings, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson told his roommate and romantic partner, “I had enough of his hatred,” when asked why he carried out the attack. Prosecutors say Robinson fired a single shot from a rooftop, striking Kirk in the neck last Wednesday as he spoke at Utah Valley University in Orem, about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City.
Utah County District Attorney Jeffrey Gray’s office filed seven counts against Robinson, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice for allegedly disposing of evidence, and witness tampering for urging his roommate to delete incriminating messages. Several political leaders, including US President Donald Trump, have called for capital punishment. At a press conference, Gray emphasized that his decision was made “independently, based solely on the available evidence and the nature of the crime.”
Initial court appearance
Robinson appeared in court by video from jail on Tuesday afternoon. He was unshaven, wore a suicide-prevention smock, and remained largely silent, speaking only to confirm his name. Judge Tony Graf found Robinson unable to afford counsel and appointed a defense attorney ahead of the next hearing on September 29. The suspect was held without bond in Washington County Jail, where he has been placed under heightened supervision through a “special watch protocol.”
Kirk’s killing, captured on video and widely shared online, triggered widespread condemnation of political violence and stoked partisan accusations as well as fears of potential retaliation.
Prosecutors detailed Robinson’s alleged communications in court filings. Shortly after the shooting, he texted his roommate: “drop what you’re doing, look under my keyboard.” There, the roommate found a note reading, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.” When asked, “you weren’t the one who did it right????” Robinson allegedly replied, “I am, I’m sorry.”
He later wrote, “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out,” and admitted he had been planning the attack for more than a week.
Wider context
Robinson reportedly expressed regret for leaving the rifle in nearby bushes, telling his roommate, “I’m worried what my old man would do if I didn’t bring back grandpa’s rifle. I might have to abandon it and hope they don’t find prints.” Investigators say DNA recovered from the weapon’s trigger matched Robinson.
Robinson, a third-year trade college student, was on the run for more than 30 hours before surrendering. His parents recognized him in images of the suspect and confronted him at their home, where he admitted involvement. A retired deputy sheriff and family friend persuaded him to turn himself in.
In messages to his roommate, Robinson wrote, “I’m much more worried about you,” after revealing his intent to surrender. He urged the roommate to delete their exchanges and avoid cooperating with police or the press. Authorities say the roommate is assisting investigators.
Prosecutors allege Robinson targeted Kirk for his political beliefs and noted that the attack occurred in front of children, factors that elevate the charges to aggravated murder under Utah law.
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.
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.
Senior administration officials have signaled a crackdown on left-wing groups following the assassination, with Trump blaming the “radical left” within hours of the shooting. Opponents warn the president could use the incident to justify actions against his political rivals.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted in the days after Kirk’s death found that roughly two-thirds of Americans believe the harsh rhetoric dominating national politics is contributing to rising violence.
