Charlie Kirk Shooting Suspect Charges Announced, Prosecutor Will Seek Death Penalty

PROVO, UT — The suspect in last week's fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk could face the death penalty. Utah County Attorney General Jeff Gray said Tuesday that Tyler Robinson, 22, is being charged with aggravated murder, two counts of obstruction of justice and felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, two counts of witness tampering, and commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child.

Gray said his office will be seeking the death penalty in the case.

Kirk, 31, was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University Wednesday. Gray said that authorities believe Robinson specifically targeted Kirk based on the Arlington Heights native's "political expression, and did so knowing children were present and would witness the homicide."

Robinson, who is currently being housed in the Utah County Jail (Spanish Fork), made his first court appearance Tuesday from there. During the session, Robinson was wearing an anti-suicide vest. He only spoke once, after being prompted by Judge Tony Graf to state his name.

Graf ruled Robinson will remain in custody, without bail. The judge also appointed an attorney for him, saying that after reviewing Robinson's financial situation, he found that he cannot afford legal fees.

During the nearly 12-minute appearance, Utah County prosecutors handling the case said they are seeking the death penalty for Robinson. They also filed a pre-trial protective order for Kirk's widow, Erika, which was subsequently approved by Graf.

Here's a breakdown of the charges, according to Gray:

• Count 1 — aggravated murder (capital offense) for intentionally or knowingly causing the death of Kirk under circumstances that created a great risk of death to others
• Count 2 — discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury (first degree felony)
• Count 3 — obstruction of justice (second degree felony) for moving and concealing the rifle used in the shooting
• Count 4 — obstruction of justice (second degree felony) against Robinson for disposing of the clothing he wore during the shooting
• Count 5 — witness tampering (third degree felony) against Robinson for directing his roommate to delete his incriminating texts
• Count 6 — witness tampering (third degree felony) against Robinson for directing his roommate to remain silent if police questioned him
• Count 7 — commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child (class A misdemeanor) for committing homicide knowing that children were present and may have seen or heard the murder and did so based on Kirk's political expression

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