Prosecutors in Utah allege that Tyler Robinson targeted conservative activist Charlie Kirk because of Kirk's political and religious beliefs, specifically his opposition to same-sex marriage and transgender rights. The killing occurred on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University during an outdoor rally where Kirk was speaking.
Approximate number of eyewitnesses present during the shooting.
Robinson, 23, is accused of shooting Kirk with a rifle from a rooftop approximately 200 feet away. He is charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, two counts of witness tampering, and commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child. Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty.
Robinson has not entered a plea. A hearing is scheduled for September 1 before Utah District Court Judge Tony Graf to determine if there is sufficient evidence for trial. The defense has until August 18, 2025, to argue there is insufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial, while some sources indicate the deadline may be August 11 for filing written arguments.
Robinson's roommate and romantic partner, Lance Twiggs, told investigators that Robinson confessed to the killing in a letter, text messages, and in person. Twiggs and Robinson began dating after meeting in 2023, and they did not discuss Kirk until after the shooting, according to a video shown in court.
Enough of (Kirk's) hatred
Prosecutors cited a text message from Robinson after the shooting: 'enough of (Kirk's) hatred' and 'some hate can't be negotiated out.' Inscriptions on ammunition found with the suspected murder weapon included 'Hey fascist, catch.' A letter from David Engelhardt, a Turning Point USA board member and friend of Kirk, described Kirk's mission as promoting conservative values, including the belief that 'experimentation with sexual/gender identity is sinful' and that 'heterosexuality inside the confines of a marriage is the only virtuous pattern for sexuality.'
Robinson's attorney, Richard Novak, argued that the prosecution has not produced evidence showing Robinson opposed Kirk's political or religious views. Prosecutors say Kirk represented 'not only a religious movement, but also a political movement against gay marriage and the accommodation and acceptance of transgenderism, homosexuality and sexual experimentation.'
Robinson surrendered after a manhunt. DNA testing, surveillance video, and eyewitness testimony support the charges. Kirk's widow Erika Kirk, his parents, and Donald Trump Jr. attended the preliminary hearing. The Kirk family issued a joint statement saying, 'Every court proceeding serves as a painful reminder of his death and the loss that has irrevocably impacted our lives and the lives of his children.'