Prosecutors Unveil Chilling Evidence: “I Had Enough of His Hatred”
OREM, UTAH — Prosecutors announced Tuesday that they will seek the death penalty for Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of assassinating conservative political activist Charlie Kirk on the campus of Utah Valley University last week. Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck by a single rifle round while addressing a crowd of over 3,000 people.
Court documents filed by the Utah County District Attorney’s Office include alarming new evidence, including text messages in which Robinson allegedly confessed to the murder and explained his motivations.
“I had enough of his hatred,” Robinson allegedly texted his roommate and romantic partner when asked why he had pulled the trigger.
The suspect is accused of firing the shot from a rooftop overlooking the event and later fleeing the scene. He remained at large for more than 30 hours before surrendering to police after his parents identified him from viral images circulating online.
Political Motive, Confession, and DNA Evidence: The Case Against Robinson
Robinson now faces seven felony charges, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering. Prosecutors argue that the killing was politically motivated and premeditated — a position bolstered by a handwritten note left behind and a digital trail of messages.
In one message, Robinson reportedly wrote:
“I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”
When his roommate replied, asking if he had really done it, Robinson allegedly responded:
“I am, I’m sorry.”
He further explained:
“Some hate can’t be negotiated out… I planned this for over a week.”
Prosecutors also revealed that DNA found on the trigger of the recovered rifle matched Robinson, and the weapon had belonged to his grandfather.
Following the shooting, Robinson allegedly instructed his roommate to delete the messages and avoid speaking with law enforcement. The roommate — who officials say is cooperating — later handed over the messages to investigators.
Robinson appeared via video in court on Tuesday, wearing a suicide prevention smock and remaining mostly silent, except to state his name. Judge Tony Graf determined that Robinson could not afford an attorney and promised to appoint one before the next hearing on September 29. He will remain jailed without bond and under special supervision.
Fallout: Political Tensions Rise Amid Fears of Escalating Violence
Kirk’s death has ignited a national firestorm over political violence. While condemnation has come from across the ideological spectrum, the incident has also intensified partisan divisions. Former President Donald Trump and other conservative leaders have demanded capital punishment and blamed the “radical left” for fueling the conditions that led to Kirk’s killing.
Critics warn that the murder may be used as political ammunition in the run-up to the 2024 election, with concerns growing about increased state surveillance or crackdowns on left-wing organizations.
In court filings, Robinson’s mother told police that her son had recently grown more “pro-gay and trans-rights oriented” and was increasingly at odds with his politically conservative family. His relationship with a transitioning roommate reportedly led to tensions with his father.
Prosecutors argue that the murder qualifies as aggravated because it was politically motivated and committed in front of children — two key conditions required under Utah law for seeking the death penalty.
Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was a prominent figure in the conservative movement and a vocal supporter of Donald Trump. While hailed by supporters as a defender of free speech, Kirk has also drawn criticism for inflammatory remarks about minorities and his promotion of 2020 election conspiracy theories.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted shortly after the shooting revealed that nearly two-thirds of Americans believe toxic political rhetoric is fueling acts of violence.
