Tyler James Robinson has been formally charged in reference to final week’s deadly taking pictures of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk — and will probably face the firing squad if convicted.
Calling Kirk’s killing “an American tragedy,” Utah County Lawyer Jeff Grey introduced the fees in opposition to the 22-year-old at a press convention Tuesday afternoon, together with aggravated homicide, felony discharge of a firearm inflicting severe bodily damage and obstruction of justice.
“The homicide of Charlie Kirk is an American tragedy” Grey instructed reporters on the Utah County Well being & Justice Constructing in Provo.
“Charlie Kirk was murdered whereas partaking in one among our most sacred and cherished American rights — the bedrock of our democratic republic — the free trade of concepts in a seek for fact, understanding and a extra excellent union,” he mentioned.
Calling the killing “an offense in opposition to the state and to the peace and delight of the folks of Utah and all of those that go to us right here,” Grey detailed seven whole expenses in opposition to Robinson, together with obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and the fee of a violent offense within the presence of kids.
“I’m submitting discover of intent to hunt the demise penalty. I don’t make this determination evenly, and it’s one I’ve made as county lawyer primarily based solely on proof and circumstances of the crime,” Grey added.
Robinson was arrested after a 33-hour manhunt — and was turned in to authorities by his father in reference to the assassination of the 31-year-old Turning Level USA founder.
The aggravated homicide cost probably makes Robinson eligible for the demise penalty beneath Utah regulation, which President Trump — who was an in depth pal of Kirk — has publicly supported.
Keep updated on the taking pictures of conservative activist Charlie Kirk
Utah is one among 5 states that also use a firing squad as a technique of capital punishment.
Kirk was talking to a crowd of about 3,000 on the campus of Utah Valley College on Sept. 10 when a single shot rang out as he answered a query about mass shootings perpetrated by people who find themselves transgender.
He was struck within the neck and died of his accidents hours later, kicking off a large manhunt for the suspect earlier than he was taken into custody Sept. 12.
Whereas no definitive motive has been formally introduced, an image has emerged over the past week casting Robinson as having a deep-seated disdain for Kirk, and having been steeped in far-left politics, significantly in recent times.
In a chilling textual content trade revealed by FBI Director Kash Patel Monday night time, Robinson “particularly acknowledged that he had the chance to take out Charlie Kirk and he was going to try this,” the director mentioned throughout an look on Fox Information’ “Hannity.”
Robinson held “leftist ideology” and was “radicalized” on-line in the previous few years, based on prosecutors accusing him of murdering Kirk, a father of two younger youngsters, whereas he debated college students at UVU final Wednesday.
He allegedly confessed to the assassination through messages despatched by way of the on-line group on Discord, based on the Washington Put up.
“Im surrendering by way of a sheriff pal in just a few moments. thanks for all the nice occasions and laughs, you’ve all been so superb, thanks all for all the pieces.”
FBI Director Kash Patel mentioned whereas testifying in a Senate Judiciary Committee listening to Tuesday morning that “much more” than the 20 folks within the Discord chat have been being investigated by the bureau.
“We’re operating all of them down,” he pledged.
