Prosecutors in Utah have formally charged Tyler Robinson with capital murder in connection with the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a Utah university. The charge means Robinson could face the death penalty if convicted.
“The murder of Charlie Kirk is an American tragedy,” Utah County District Attorney Jeff Gray said while announcing the indictment.
DNA Evidence and Charges
Prosecutors revealed that Robinson’s DNA was found on the trigger of the rifle used to shoot Kirk. In addition to capital murder, the 22-year-old suspect is also charged with illegal discharge of a firearm – punishable by life in prison – and obstruction of justice, which carries up to 15 years in prison.
Robinson is scheduled to appear in a virtual court hearing Tuesday afternoon. It remains unclear whether he has legal representation. His family has declined to comment to the Associated Press.
The Shooting
Kirk was shot in the neck with a rifle fired from a nearby rooftop while speaking with students at Utah Valley University in Orem on September 10, 2025. He died shortly after the attack.
Robinson was arrested two days later near St. George, Utah, the community where he grew up. Investigators also searched his family’s home in Washington, Utah, about 390 kilometers from the crime scene.
Political Shockwaves
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was a high-profile figure in U.S. conservative politics and a close ally of former President Donald Trump. His killing has fueled concerns about rising political violence in a deeply polarized America.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox said people close to Robinson described him as leaning toward leftist politics in recent years and spending extensive time in the “dark corners of the internet.”
Investigators also revealed that Robinson’s romantic partner was transgender, raising speculation that Kirk may have been targeted due to his opposition to transgender rights. However, authorities have not confirmed whether this was a motivating factor.
Kirk was shot while responding to a question about gun violence and transgender rights.
Ongoing Investigation
Utah Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason confirmed that Robinson’s partner has been cooperative with authorities. He added that investigators believe Robinson acted alone, though they are also probing whether anyone else had prior knowledge of the attack.
Robinson allegedly left a written note before the shooting, stating that he had the opportunity to “eliminate Kirk” and that he would follow through with it.
