Charges of Aggravated Murder Filed Against Tyler Robinson, 22, in Utah Campus Shooting
Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk, was charged with aggravated murder on Tuesday, a charge that could make him eligible for the death penalty.
The charges stem from the September 10 shooting at Utah Valley University, where Kirk was gunned down while speaking with students. Prosecutors allege Robinson fired a bolt-action rifle at Kirk from the roof of a nearby campus building, striking him in the neck. Kirk, 31, died shortly after.
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“The murder of Charlie Kirk is an American tragedy,” Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said, announcing the charges. Gray said Robinson’s DNA was found on the trigger of the murder weapon.
In addition to aggravated murder, Robinson was also charged with felony discharge of a firearm and obstructing justice. A virtual court hearing was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. It remains unclear whether Robinson has an attorney.
Robinson was arrested last week near St. George, Utah. Investigators have since spoken to his family and conducted a search of his home. According to Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, those who know Robinson say his politics had shifted left in recent years and he spent a significant amount of time in “dark corners of the internet.”
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FBI Director Kash Patel stated on Monday that DNA evidence linked Robinson to a towel wrapped around the rifle and a screwdriver found on the rooftop. Patel also revealed that prior to the shooting, Robinson had written a note stating his intention to “take out Kirk.”
The FBI is also investigating a gaming chatroom on Discord where Robinson was a member, according to Patel. The chatroom included more than 20 people. “We are investigating Charlie’s assassination fully and completely and running out every lead related to any allegation of broader violence,” Patel said.
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The motive for the attack is still under investigation. Some have pointed to Robinson’s romantic partner, who is transgender.
Kirk was the founder of Turning Point USA, a prominent conservative organization that has brought many young evangelical Christians into politics. His death has sparked a national conversation about political violence and the increasing polarization in the United States.
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