Tyler Robinson, the man accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk, made his first formal court appearance on Tuesday as Utah prosecutors announced they would pursue the death penalty.
DAILY POST reports that Kirk, 31, a close ally of President Donald Trump and founder of the youth conservative group Turning Point USA, was gunned down last week during a packed event at a university in Utah.
The attack, carried out in front of thousands of students and supporters, has further inflamed the already tense political climate in the United States.
According to investigators, Robinson, 22, allegedly fired a single shot from a rooftop, striking Kirk in the neck.
The brazen killing sparked a massive manhunt that ended after Robinson’s parents convinced him to surrender to authorities.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Robinson appeared remotely from jail dressed in a suicide prevention vest, a precaution often used in high-profile cases.
He confirmed his name but otherwise remained silent as Judge Tony Graf read out multiple charges, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering.
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray told reporters earlier in the day that his office would seek the death penalty.
“This is not a decision I take lightly. It is based strictly on the evidence, the seriousness of the crime, and the impact on the community,” Gray said.
Prosecutors also shared details of text messages between Robinson and his roommate, who was described as a transgender fellow and with whom Robinson was romantically involved.
On the day of the shooting, Robinson reportedly left a message under his keyboard saying:
“I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”
When questioned later by the roommate via text about why he pulled the trigger, Robinson allegedly replied:
“I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
He then urged the roommate to delete the conversation.
Kirk, a father of two, had built a large following on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, where he promoted conservative positions and frequently criticized the transgender rights movement. His confrontational style on college campuses made him a polarizing figure, celebrated by some, condemned by others.
In a related event at the White House, officials announced plans to investigate what they described as a “left-wing domestic terror network,” citing concerns about politically motivated violence.
The statement has already raised alarms among civil liberties groups, who fear the move could be used to target dissent.
Charlie Kirk’s accused killer faces possible death penalty in Utah court
