The man accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been formally charged with murder, with prosecutors announcing Tuesday their intent to pursue the death penalty.
Tyler Robinson, 22, appeared in a Utah courtroom wearing a suicide prevention smock as District Judge Tony Graf read out seven charges against him, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering.
He spoke only to confirm his name and remained silent throughout the proceedings.
Kirk, 31, a prominent ally of former President Donald Trump and founder of Turning Point USA, was killed last week during a campus event in Utah.
Authorities say Robinson fired a single round from a rooftop, striking Kirk in the neck before fleeing the scene.
The killing sparked nationwide outrage, particularly among conservative groups, and triggered a 33-hour manhunt that ended when Robinson surrendered to police after being urged by his parents.
At a press briefing earlier Tuesday, Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray confirmed he would seek the death penalty. “I do not take this decision lightly,” Gray said. “It is based solely on the available evidence and the nature of the crime.”
Prosecutors also revealed messages Robinson allegedly exchanged with his roommate, described as a transgender individual with whom he was in a romantic relationship. In the texts, Robinson reportedly declared his intent to target Kirk, later telling the roommate, “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
Kirk, a father of two, had built a large online following through his outspoken conservative commentary, often clashing with advocates of transgender rights. His death has intensified political divisions and fueled debate about extremism and domestic terrorism in the United States.
Meanwhile, federal officials faced criticism over their handling of the immediate aftermath of the attack, including a premature announcement of an arrest that later proved inaccurate.
The White House on Monday said it intends to crack down on what it described as a left-wing “domestic terror movement,” a declaration that has already stirred controversy over potential impacts on political dissent.