By Eniola Amadu
Utah prosecutors announced they will pursue the death penalty against 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk in a shooting at Utah Valley University last week.
According to court filings, Robinson allegedly confessed in private text messages to his roommate and romantic partner after the shooting, saying, “I had enough of his hatred.”
Prosecutors said he also left a handwritten note declaring his intention to kill Kirk and later admitted responsibility in further exchanges.
The accused was charged with seven counts, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice and witness tampering.
Prosecutors cited aggravating factors, including targeting Kirk for political views and carrying out the act in front of children, to justify seeking the death penalty under Utah law.
Kirk, 31, co-founder of the conservative student group Turning Point USA, was speaking to a crowd of about 3,000 people when he was fatally shot in the neck by a single rifle round fired from a rooftop.
The killing was captured on video, which spread widely online, prompting condemnation of political violence across party lines.
Robinson was at large for more than 30 hours before surrendering to authorities.
According to court documents, his parents confronted him after recognizing his image from circulated footage. A family friend who is a retired sheriff deputy later persuaded him to turn himself in.
During his first court appearance via video link, Robinson appeared unshaven, wearing a suicide-prevention smock, and spoke only to confirm his name.
He was ordered to remain in jail without bond and placed under special supervision. The judge said a defense attorney would be appointed for him before the next hearing on September 29.
Investigators said DNA recovered from the trigger of the rifle, which belonged to Robinson’s grandfather, matched the suspect.
They also allege Robinson attempted to conceal evidence by leaving the weapon in nearby bushes and asking his roommate to delete incriminating messages.
Reactions to Kirk’s killing have been mixed. Supporters described him as a vocal defender of conservative values, while critics accused him of promoting divisive rhetoric.
Former President Donald Trump has blamed the “radical left” for the violence, while civil rights advocates have expressed concern that the case could be used to justify political crackdowns.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showed two in three Americans believe political rhetoric is fueling violence.
