Tyler Robinson charged in Charlie Kirk's murder, could face death penalty

Charlie Kirk's accused killer: Full court appearance

Tyler Robinson made his first court appearance on Tuesday, days after his arrest for the murder of political activist Charlie Kirk. Robinson did not say anything during the hearing, but nodded in agreement several times.

PROVO, Utah - Prosecutors announced on Tuesday they would be filing a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Tyler James Robinson, the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Robinson, 22, was arrested late last week after a 33-hour manhunt and booked into the Utah County Jail on suspicion of aggravated murder, obstruction of justice and felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm. Prosecutors are weighing whether to pursue a capital murder charge, which could carry the death penalty or life in prison under Utah law.

Editor's note: This story initially referenced today's arraignment as a sentencing hearing. Robinson has not been convicted. This version has been corrected.

Charges filed against alleged shooter

Dig deeper:

On Tuesday, Utah County Attorney Jeff Green announced seven counts against Robinson.

The charges included aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, punishable by up to life in prison, and obstructing justice, punishable by up to 15 years in prison, and witness tampering.

Authorities have not revealed a clear motive in the shooting, but Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said that Robinson wrote in a text about Kirk to his partner: "I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out."

Robinson also left a note for his partner hidden under a keyboard that said, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it," according to Gray.

The prosecutor declined to answer whether Robinson targeted Kirk for his anti-transgender views. Kirk was shot while taking a question that touched on mass shootings, gun violence and transgender people.

"That is for a jury to decide," Gray said.

Robinson was involved in a romantic relationship with his roommate, who investigators say was transgender, which hasn't been confirmed. Gray said the partner has been cooperating with investigators.

Robinson's partner appeared shocked in the text exchange after the shooting, according to court documents, asking Robinson "why he did it and how long he’d been planning it."

What's next:

Robinson will be held without bail in the Utah County Jail and appeared in court Tuesday.

Tyler Robinson during a remote court appearance, Sept. 16, 2025.

Robinson appeared stoic and did not speak during his first court appearance since being arrested.

His next hearing is set for Sept. 29 and it will be virtual.

Charlie Kirk shooting

What we know:

Authorities said Robinson climbed onto a rooftop during Kirk’s appearance at Utah Valley University and opened fire, killing the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA before fleeing and triggering a 33-hour manhunt. He was later arrested near his hometown in southern Utah and booked on suspicion of aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm.

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FBI Director Kash Patel said investigators recovered a destroyed note in which Robinson wrote he had "an opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk" and planned to follow through. Patel also said Robinson’s DNA was found on a rifle wrapped in a towel and on a screwdriver recovered from the rooftop.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino told Fox News that Robinson’s friends and relatives described him as becoming increasingly political in the months leading up to the shooting.

Who was Charlie Kirk?

The backstory:

Kirk, a divisive figure in American politics, founded Turning Point USA and became a close ally of former President Donald Trump. Known for his combative rhetoric on social issues, he was widely credited with helping conservatives connect with younger voters.

His killing prompted tributes from political allies and an outpouring of grief within conservative circles. Vice President JD Vance announced he would host "The Charlie Kirk Show" as a tribute, and a memorial service in Arizona drew Trump, Cabinet members, and members of Congress.

FBI Director Patel on Charlie Kirk shooting

FBI Director Kash Patel revealed new evidence during an interview with Fox & Friends. Patel said DNA links the suspect to the shooting.

Suspect’s alleged motive

What we don't know:

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has said the motive behind the attack remains unclear, though Robinson’s relatives told investigators his political views were "very different" from those of his family. Cox said Robinson had adopted what he described as a "leftist ideology."

In an interview on NBC’s "Meet the Press," Cox added that Robinson appeared to have been "radicalized" after leaving Utah State University.

Legal experts have noted that prosecutors must prove an aggravating factor—such as placing bystanders at grave risk—to pursue the death penalty under Utah law. Joshua Ritter, a California defense attorney and Fox News contributor, told Fox News Digital that proving Robinson endangered others at the crowded event may be an "easy argument" for prosecutors.

Booking photos of Tyler Robinson (Fox News)

How Utah’s death penalty law could shape the case

What's next:

If prosecutors pursue the death penalty, they must file formal notice within 60 days of charges.

Robinson could also face federal charges carrying their own potential death penalty, though no such charges have been announced.

The Source: This report is based on information from Fox News, Reuters, the Associated Press, and public statements from the FBI and Utah officials.

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