September 17, 2025 | 12:25 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The suspect in the shooting of Charlie Kirk, a pro-Donald Trump influencer, is facing death penalty charges. Authorities in Utah, United States, are seeking the death penalty for Tyler Robinson, who is accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University (UVU) last week, according to the state's attorney general.
The announcement came on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, after authorities formally charged Tyler Robinson with the killing. The district attorney's office issued a total of seven charges, including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, two counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of witness tampering, and commission of a violent offence in the presence of a child.
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said he would seek the death penalty for Robinson. "I do not take this decision lightly, and it is a decision I have made independently as county attorney based solely on the available evidence and circumstances and nature of the crime," he said, as quoted from Al Jazeera.
"Because we are seeking the death penalty, the defendant will continue to be held without bail in the Utah County Jail," he said.
According to the prosecutor, Tyler Robinson intentionally targeted Charlie Kirk because of his political expression. The shooting took place in front of children who were present and witnessed the homicide.
Shortly after the formal charges were filed, Robinson appeared in court virtually for the first time. He wore clothing described as a suicide prevention smock. He remained expressionless during the brief hearing.
Judge Tony Graf said that Robinson would be provided with a court-appointed attorney after the court reviews his filings and deems him unable to afford counsel. Graf scheduled the next hearing for September 29, at 10:00 a.m. (16:00 GMT).
Charlie Kirk Accused of "Spreading Hate"
Charlie Kirk, through his organization Turning Point USA, is credited with contributing to the political rise of U.S. President Donald Trump. Gray explained that university security footage recorded a suspect dressed in black entering the campus area and climbing to a rooftop about 160 yards from where Kirk was speaking. The individual walked in an unusual manner, as if there was a concealed firearm in his pants. The suspect fled the rooftop after gunshots were heard.
Robinson's mother later identified her son from an image released by authorities. She and his father were eventually able to persuade their son to meet with them and a family friend, a retired deputy sheriff. He then agreed to surrender himself. Robinson accused Kirk of "spreading hate."
As reported by CNN, Robinson's roommate informed the police about a note left by Robinson under the keyboard. The message read, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it." Police said they found a picture of the note.
In the court filings, the prosecutor described the roommate as a man involved in a romantic relationship with Robinson. The roommate provided their text messages to the police, according to the documents.
Political Motive and Family Testimony
Gray then revealed that the political factor compounded the charges against Robinson. From statements by the suspect's parents, Gray said Robinson was known to be "leaning more to the left" for the past year and often voiced support for the gay and transgender community.
The father had tried to persuade Robinson to surrender after the incident at Utah Valley University on September 10. When asked why he did it, Robinson explained to his parents that "There is too much evil, and the guy (Charlie Kirk) spreads too much hate," Gray said.
Evidence of Short Messages and Seized Items
During the press conference, Gray also read the contents of short messages between Robinson and his roommate, depicting Robinson's thoughts after the shooting, his efforts to retrieve the alleged weapon, and his decision to turn himself in.
Officials also reported finding a bullet casing at Robinson's home with markings similar to those at the scene. The investigation then involved the FBI. However, FBI Director Kash Patel faced criticism for sharing details of the investigation with the public.
Gray deemed the move to be potentially disruptive to the course of justice.
Tyler Robinson is currently held as a shooting suspect after turning himself in when his father saw a photo of the suspected shooter resembling him.
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