Utah man could face death penalty if convicted for Charlie Kirk assassination

UTAH COUNTY, Utah – A Utah man charged in the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk could face the death penalty if convicted at trial.

Tyler Robinson, 22, faces multiple felony charges including Aggravated Murder and Obstruction of Justice. He is accused of shooting and killing Kirk during a scheduled public event on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

It happened Sep. 10 at around 12:23 p.m. when a single gunshot was heard as Kirk engaged in a political debate in front of hundreds of students as part of his The American Comeback Tour, organized by Kirk-founded conservative activist group Turning Point USA.

According to the Turning Point website, the group says their mission is, ‘to build the most organized, active, and powerful conservative grassroots activist network on high school and college campuses across the country.” Adding, “With a presence on over 3,500 campuses, Turning Point USA is the largest and fastest-growing youth organization in America.”

Several videos circulating online show Kirk suffered a severe gunshot wound to the neck before being carried to a nearby vehicle by security and staff.

Later that afternoon, both President Donald Trump and Turning Point USA released a statement confirming Kirk’s death.

After 33 hours searching for the suspect, authorities say Robinson’s family turned him into police on the evening of Sep. 11 after he allegedly confessed to them he was responsible for Kirk’s death.

Robinson was arrested and booked in the early morning of Sep. 12. He is being held without bail in the Utah County Jail, charged with Aggravated Murder, Obstruction of Justice and Felony Discharge of a Firearm, according to county officials.

***^{Mugshot released by Utah Governor’s Office thru AP News. Charges released by Utah County.}***

The investigation.

On Sep. 12, state and federal officials held a press conference to provide details about the investigation leading to Robinson’s arrest. Here’s what we know right now:

Investigators reviewed video footage from Utah Valley University (UVU) surveillance showing Robinson arriving on campus in a gray Dodge Challenger around 8:29 a.m. the day of the shooting wearing a maroon t-shirt, light colored shorts, a black hat with a white logo and light colored shoes, which was ‘consistent’ with his clothing when confronted by investigators in the early morning hours of Sep. 12.

Investigators interviewed a family member of Robinson who said he had become ‘more political’ in recent years, and that he had mentioned Kirk was coming to UVU.

The family member told investigators they had talked about why they didn’t like Kirk and the viewpoints he had, claiming Kirk was ‘full of hate and spreading hate.’

The family member also confirmed Robinson had a gray Dodge Challenger.

Investigators interviewed Robinson’s roommate who showed them messages with Robinson consisting of him needing to retrieve a rifle from a drop point, leaving the rifle in a bush, watching the areas where the rifle was left and a message referring to wrapping the rifle in a towel.

Investigators say the messages also refer to engraving the bullets and mentioning how the scope and rifle were unique, and that he had changed outfits.

Investigators said a Mauser Model 98 .30-06 caliber bolt action rifle with a scope mounted on top wrapped in a dark colored towel was found in a grassy area with trees on the edge of the UVU campus.

Investigators noted inscriptions had been engraved on casings found with the rifle.

The inscription on the fired casing read ‘notices bulges OWO what’s this?’ The inscriptions on the unfired casings; ‘“hey fascist! catch!” with an up arrow symbol, right arrow symbol, and three down arrow symbols; “oh bella ciao bella ciao bella ciao ciao ciao,” and the third casing read, “if you read this you are gay lmao.”

Investigators have also collected footwear impression, a palm print, and forearm imprints for analysis.

Robinson’s political motive is unknown. The Associated Press reports state records show he was not registered to vote and does not have a voting history, but both of his parents were registered as Republican.

The criminal case.

On Sep. 13, Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Gray said, under Utah law, Aggravated Murder carries a penalty of either death, life in prison without parole, or 25 years to life in prison without parole.

Gray said his office, ‘will carefully review all the evidence that law enforcement has gathered and decide on the appropriate charges to file.’

Formal criminal charges are expected to be filed by Sep. 16 at 1 p.m. C.T., but could be pushed later in the week, Gray said.

“Our ability to file charges depends on how quickly we can gather and carefully review mountains of evidence. We will be thorough and deliberate at every stage of this case.”

Gray says his office plans to hold a press conference when they formally file the criminal charges. He said if charges are filed Sep. 16, Robinson’s first court appearance will be held that same day at 4 p.m. C.T.

Gray concluded his statement with the following:

“We are deeply grateful for the tireless effort and support of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. Their dedicated and relentless work has brought us to this point. We will continue to work closely with them as this case progresses.

As with so many others, we express our deepest concern for Mr. Charlie Kirk’s wife, his children, and his parents. My office is committed to supporting and assisting them throughout this criminal case.

We also express our concern for everyone who was at Wednesday’s event, and everyone across our community, state, nation, and beyond, who has been impacted by this horrific tragedy.

My office’s mission is to protect our community by vigorously investigating and prosecuting crime, compassionately assisting crime victims, and seeking justice for all. We will spare no effort to achieve those ends in this, and every case.“

Meanwhile, the president of Utah Valley University announced Sep. 13 they will begin a ‘phased return’ back to campus, according to their website. See updates here.

My coverage of the Charlie Kirk assassination will continue through the completion of the trial.

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