Utah Prosecutors Charge Suspect in Charlie Kirk Assassination

English , Qatar - قطر , / Wednesday, September 17th, 2025

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Source: Xinhua

Washington, September 16 – Utah prosecutors have charged Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder and multiple related offenses in connection with the sniper killing of U.S. conservative activist Charlie Kirk, authorities confirmed Tuesday.
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announced the charges at a press conference, detailing counts of aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, felony discharge of a firearm, witness tampering, and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child. Robinson appeared in court via video, where seven charges were read, with a follow-up hearing scheduled for September 29.
Court documents revealed private text messages and a handwritten note in which Robinson allegedly admitted planning and carrying out the attack. “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it,” one note read. Prosecutors said Robinson told his roommate the killing was driven by hatred.
Gray confirmed he would seek the death penalty, citing the severity of the crime. The FBI also reported DNA evidence linking Robinson to the scene, including traces found on a screwdriver and a towel wrapped around the firearm. Investigators said Robinson’s internet activity and testimony from his family indicated an obsession with Kirk and adherence to left-wing ideology.
Kirk was fatally shot in the neck on September 10 during a debate at Utah Valley University. FBI officials said they are probing whether others knew of the suspect’s intentions. Utah Governor Spencer Cox noted that while Robinson has not confessed, his family and friends are cooperating.
The assassination has fueled political divisions, with leaders condemning the killing but public debate centering more on partisan blame than gun violence. Analysts warned the case underscores deep polarization in U.S. politics.