Authorities in Utah have announced they will pursue the death penalty against Tyler Robinson, the man accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University (UVU) last week.
Prosecutors formally filed charges on Tuesday, detailing the severity of the case.
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray confirmed during a press conference that he had filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Robinson.
“I do not take this decision lightly, and it is a decision I have made independently as county attorney based solely on the available evidence and circumstances and nature of the crime,” Gray said.
Because of the death penalty decision, Robinson will continue to be held without bail at the Utah County Jail.
Charges filed against Tyler Robinson
Prosecutors filed seven charges in total, including:
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Aggravated murder
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Felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury
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Two counts of obstruction of justice
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Two counts of witness tampering
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Commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child
Gray also cited two “aggravating factors” that elevate the severity of the case, making harsher punishment more likely if Robinson is convicted.
Robinson made his first court appearance virtually, wearing a suicide prevention smock. He showed little reaction during the brief hearing.
Judge Tony Graf confirmed Robinson would receive a court-appointed lawyer after being deemed indigent. The next hearing was scheduled for September 29 at 10 a.m. (16:00 GMT).
Details of shooting
The charges shed more light on the September 10 killing of Kirk, whose conservative organization Turning Point USA has been linked to US President Donald Trump’s political resurgence.
Gray said university security footage showed a man dressed in black entering UVU grounds and climbing onto a roof about 146 meters (160 yards) from where Kirk was speaking. The suspect appeared to conceal a rifle in his pants, walking in an unusual manner before opening fire.
Robinson allegedly fled the roof shortly after the shots rang out.
Authorities revealed that Robinson had accused Kirk of “spreading hate,” pointing to a possible motive in the killing. However, prosecutors emphasized that the case is still under investigation, with more evidence expected to emerge.
