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Tyler Robinson charged with murder of Charlie Kirk - and prosecutors seek death penalty

Sky News

United Kingdom

Tuesday, September 16


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Tyler Robinson has been charged with the murder of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk.

The 22-year-old, from Washington, Utah, was charged with aggravated murder, weapon, and obstruction of justice offences ahead of a court appearance later today.

Prosecutors said they would seek the death penalty and that Robinson's DNA was found on the trigger of the alleged murder weapon.

A note was also found under his keyboard which said:"I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I'm going to take it," according to a charging document by prosecutors.

It is also alleged that the suspect ordered his roommate to delete"incriminating texts" about the killing and to "stay silent" if questioned by police.

Kirk, 31, was killed at one of his rallies at Utah Valley University last Wednesday.

The political activist, a close ally of US President Donald Trump , died after being hit in the neck with a bullet.

County attorney Jeff Gray said"aggravating factors" in the killing included that the "defendant is believed to have targeted Charlie Kirk based on his political expression and did so knowing children were present and would witness the homicide".

The obstruction of justice charges relate to allegations that Robinson disposed of the weapon used in the killing, along with clothing he is said to have worn at the time.

Robinson has been held without bail since his arrest.

Investigators have spoken to Robinson's relatives and have carried out a search at his family home, 240 miles (385km) southwest of where the shooting took place.

Mr Gray said Robinson had accused Kirk of"spreading hate" during a conversation with his father. He also allegedly described the university as a"stupid venue" for the influencer to hold such an event.

After the shooting, the county attorney said the suspect confessed to his parents after they confronted him, telling them he shot Kirk because"there is too much evil in the guy".

Charlie Kirk speaking at Utah Valley University moments before he was shot. Pic: Reuters/Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune
Image: Charlie Kirk speaking at Utah Valley University moments before he was shot. Pic: Reuters/Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune

Robinson's mother told police that her son had become more political and had"started to lean more to the left" in the past year or so, Mr Gray said.

He added that the 22-year-old had become more"pro-gay and trans-rights oriented," according to his parents. His mother said he had started to date his roommate, who was"transitioning genders".

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