This screengrab from the Utah Court live streaming shows Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the killing of political activist Charlie Kirk, attending a court appearance remotely from his jail cell in Provo, Utah, on September 16, 2025. Robinson has been formally charged with the murder of Kirk, and the prosecution added a notice of intent to seek the death penalty. Six other charges include obstruction of justice and witness tampering. Kirk, a close ally of President Donald Trump, was shot dead last week during a speaking event on a Utah university campus. (Photo by POOL / AFP)
A 22-year-old man accused of killing American conservative activist, Charlie Kirk, has been charged with murder in Utah, with prosecutors confirming plans to seek the death penalty.
Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA and a close ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, was shot dead last week while speaking at a university event. He was struck in the neck by a single bullet fired from a rooftop in front of thousands of students.
The suspect, Tyler Robinson, was arrested after a 33-hour manhunt. His parents reportedly convinced him to surrender after recognising him in police alerts.
Appearing in court on Tuesday in a suicide prevention smock, Robinson spoke only to confirm his name as the judge read out seven charges, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice and witness tampering.
Utah County Attorney, Jeff Gray, said: “I am filing a notice of intent to seek the death penalty… this decision is based solely on the evidence and nature of the crime.”
Investigators revealed text messages suggesting Robinson targeted Kirk over his views on transgender rights. In one note, he allegedly wrote: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”
Kirk’s death has deepened political divisions in the U.S., with the White House vowing to crack down on what it described as a “left-wing domestic terror movement.”
