Utah prosecutors say they will pursue 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 reveal chilling text messages in which Robinson allegedly confessed to the rooftop sniper attack, telling his roommate: “I had enough of his hatred.”
Prosecutors allege Robinson, a trade student, planned the killing for more than a week. The rifle used reportedly belonged to his grandfather, with DNA evidence tying Robinson to the weapon.
After the shooting, Robinson texted his roommate to check under his keyboard, where a handwritten note declared his intent to kill Kirk. When confronted, he admitted responsibility, prosecutors said. He also urged the roommate to delete messages and avoid police.
Robinson was at large for over 30 hours before surrendering to police following intervention from his parents and a retired sheriff family friend. In court, he appeared by video in a suicide-prevention smock and remained expressionless as a judge informed him of seven charges, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering.
The case has ignited fierce debate. Former President Donald Trump and other Republicans demanded capital punishment, blaming “radical left” extremism. Meanwhile, civil rights advocates highlighted Kirk’s history of inflammatory rhetoric targeting minorities, women, and transgender people.
Prosecutors say Robinson targeted Kirk for his political views and carried out the attack knowing children would witness it — aggravating factors that make the death penalty an option under Utah law.
Kirk, 31, was co-founder of Turning Point USA and a high-profile ally of Trump, widely credited with mobilising conservative Gen Z voters. His assassination, captured on viral videos, has fuelled both condemnation of political violence and fears of escalating reprisals across the political divide.
Robinson remains in custody without bail, with his next hearing scheduled for 29 September.
