Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has been charged with aggravated murder and multiple related offenses, Utah County prosecutors announced Tuesday. The charges come after Robinson allegedly confessed to the attack in a series of online messages and voluntarily surrendered to law enforcement.
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray confirmed that Robinson faces six felony counts, aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice (two counts), witness tampering (two counts), and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child.
Gray said his office intends to seek the death penalty.
In court documents, prosecutors revealed that Robinson attempted to conceal his involvement by instructing a roommate to delete messages and remain silent if approached by police. DNA consistent with Robinson’s was reportedly found on the trigger of the rifle believed to have been used in the shooting.
Text messages detailed in the court filing show Robinson allegedly wrote, “I had enough of his hatred,” referring to Kirk, and followed up with, “Some hate can’t be negotiated out.” When asked by the recipient of the message if he was the shooter, Robinson responded, “I am, I’m sorry.”
Robinson is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing at 5 p.m. EDT, according to the Utah County Attorney’s Office.
Robinson turned himself in last week after allegedly telling a family member that he was responsible for the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, who was speaking at Utah Valley University as part of his national campus tour. According to The Washington Post, Robinson also admitted his role in a group chat, stating, “It was me at UVU yesterday,” and said he would be surrendering to a “sheriff friend.”
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that Robinson’s DNA was “positively processed” from evidence recovered near the shooting scene. Investigators also discovered a handwritten note allegedly penned by Robinson that read: “I have the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”
No official motive has been confirmed by authorities. However, the incident has drawn sharp political reactions. Former President Donald Trump blamed the “radical left” for Kirk’s death, while Vice President JD Vance claimed “left-wing extremism” played a role in the killing.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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