A 22-year-old man has been formally charged with murder in the fatal campus shooting of a prominent political commentator last week. Prosecutors have announced they will seek the death penalty in the case.
The suspect, Tyler Robinson, is accused of assassinating 31-year-old activist Charlie Kirk on the grounds of Utah Valley University on September 10. According to newly released court documents, Robinson allegedly confessed to the killing in a detailed text message exchange with his roommate shortly after the attack.
In the messages, Robinson reportedly directed his roommate to a handwritten note stating his intent. When questioned, Robinson allegedly wrote, “I am, I’m sorry,” and revealed he was waiting near the scene to retrieve a hidden rifle—a weapon later recovered by police.
When pressed for a motive, the suspect’s messages pointed to ideological grievance. “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out,” he allegedly stated, referring to the victim’s public persona.
The communications paint a picture of a calculated plan. Robinson told his roommate the attack had been planned for “a bit over a week” and described evading an initial police sweep by stating authorities had detained another individual. He repeatedly urged the roommate to delete their conversation and to remain silent if contacted by law enforcement.
In a bizarre detail, the suspect allegedly referenced engraving messages onto bullets, calling them “a big meme,” and commented on a unique rifle that was later photographed as evidence.
Robinson now faces a series of felony charges, including aggravated murder, discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering. An additional charge relates to the commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child.
The roommate, described in documents as romantically involved with the suspect, was reportedly cooperative with investigators after Robinson was taken into custody. The suspect is scheduled for arraignment in the coming days.
