Utah prosecutors have announced they will pursue the death penalty against 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, according to Reuters.
Diaspora Digital Media reported that Robinson assassinated Kirk during a packed event at Utah Valley University last week.
He now faces seven felony charges, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering.
One charge also cites violence committed in the presence of children.
Utah County District Attorney Jeffrey Gray said his office reached the decision after reviewing the evidence and circumstances.
“This decision is based solely on the available evidence and nature of the crime,” Gray stated.
According to court documents, Robinson planned the attack for more than a week. On the day of the shooting, he left a note for his roommate that said, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”
Investigators said Robinson used a rifle from a rooftop sniper’s position and fired a single shot that struck Kirk in the neck. DNA on the rifle’s trigger matched Robinson.
Messages presented in court filings revealed his motive. After the shooting, Robinson texted his roommate: “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
The prosecution also alleges Robinson attempted to hide the rifle and his clothing.
He then urged his roommate, described as his romantic partner, to delete messages and avoid police cooperation.
However, the roommate is now working with investigators.
Robinson avoided arrest for more than 30 hours before surrendering.
His parents and a retired deputy sheriff reportedly convinced him to turn himself in.
The assassination shocked the U.S. and reignited debate over political violence.
Videos of the shooting spread online, sparking both condemnation and partisan blame.
US president Donald Trump blamed the “radical left” and repeated his call for the death penalty.
Civil rights groups, however, noted Kirk’s history of inflammatory rhetoric, accusing him of racism, misogyny, and hostility toward immigrants and LGBTQ+ communities.
Kirk, 31, co-founded Turning Point USA and was a close Trump ally.
Supporters describe him as a defender of conservative values and a driving force in youth politics.
His death adds to growing fears over politically motivated attacks in the U.S.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll after the incident showed two-thirds of Americans believe political rhetoric is fueling violence.
The case against Robinson will now move toward trial.
Prosecutors are preparing to seek the ultimate punishment in what is already one of the most politically charged cases of 2025.
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