22-year-old Tyler Robinson appeared in a Utah court on 16/9. He only spoke to confirm his name and sat silently as Judge Tony Graf read the seven charges against him. The most serious charge is aggravated murder, along with other counts of obstruction of justice and witness tampering.
"I am seeking the death penalty," Utah state prosecutor Jeff Gray said. "I don't take this decision lightly. I'm making this request based entirely on the evidence, the circumstances, and the nature of the crime."
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Suspect Tyler Robinson at the court hearing in Utah, USA on 16/9. Photo: AFP |
Suspect Tyler Robinson at the court hearing in Utah, USA on 16/9. Photo: AFP
Prosecutor Gray cited extensive text messages between Robinson and his roommate, who is transitioning from male to female. According to Gray, Robinson and the roommate were romantically involved.
On the day of the murder, Robinson texted his roommate that he had left a note under his keyboard. "I have a chance to take down Charlie Kirk and I'm going to do it," the note read.
The roommate later asked Robinson why he killed Kirk. "I've had enough of this guy's hate. Some hate can't be solved with words," Robinson replied, then asked his roommate to delete the exchange.
Robinson is accused of fatally shooting Kirk, a close ally of former US President Donald Trump, in the neck at an event last week at Utah Valley University. A large-scale manhunt ended 33 hours later when Robinson's parents, with the assistance of a retired police officer friend, persuaded him to surrender.
Kirk used his social media platforms, which have a large following, to promote conservative viewpoints, including strong criticism of the transgender rights movement. He frequently posted videos of himself engaging in debates at various universities.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel faced heavy criticism for actions taken after the shooting, including quickly announcing arrests and then releasing those individuals.
One of the two individuals was charged on 16/9 with possession of child pornography, unrelated to Kirk's murder, according to the Utah County Sheriff's Office.
Nguyen Tien (AFP)
