Suspected killer in Charlie Kirk assassination appears in court
UPDATE (12:34 PM): Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for the suspected assassin of Charlie Kirk.
In a briefing Tuesday, Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announced a host of charges filed against 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and a number of obstruction charges. He also said he would seek the death penalty.
"As county attorney, I'm am charged with bringing justice to those who offend our laws. I am charged with bringing justice...for those who are harmed. I am charged with bringing justice for Charlie Kirk," Gray expressed.
Gray says the suspect was taken by his parents to the Utah County Sheriff's Office to surrender after they recognized their son in surveillance footage of the shooting as well as a rifle he had been given as a gift.
The charging documents filed by prosecutors contained details about the immediate aftermath of the shooting, including a text message conversation between the suspect and his roommate.
"'I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out. If I am able to grab my rifle and see I will have left no evidence,'" Gray read.
Gray says while he talked to members of the governor's and president's administrations, the decision to seek the death penalty was his own.
"I do not take this decision lightly, and it is a decision I have made independently as county attorney based solely on the available evidence and circumstances and nature of the crime," Gray remarked.
Robinson will continue to be held without bail and could face more federal charges.
He is appearing in court later in the day where he'll hear the charges against him. To watch the livestream of the hearing, see attached video.
(NBC, KYMA) - The suspected killer in the Charlie Kirk assassination is set to make his first court appearance Tuesday.
22-year-old Tyler Robinson is said to be appearing virtually in court to face several charges, including aggravated murder, in connection to Kirk's assassination, which took place last Wednesday at Utah Valley University (UVU).
According to The Washington Post, Robinson appeared to have confessed in an online chat not long before turning himself in writing, "Hey guys, I have bad news for you all…It was me at UVU yesterday. Im sorry for all of this."
The Post citing two people familiar with the chat and screenshots.
Another possible sign that may be part of the evidence, a text message exchange, says FBI director Kash Patel.
"He had a text message exchange, he the suspect, with another individual in which he had an opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and he was going to do it because of his hatred of what Charlie stood for," Patel spoke.
The FBI says the suspect is not cooperating, but says they found the suspect's DNA on two pieces of evidence.
While authorities haven't confirmed a motive, President Donald Trump blames the left.
"Looks like it was radicalized over the internet, and it's radicalized on the left. He's a left," President Trump said.
The Trump Administration's effort to find and punish Americans who criticize Kirk intensifies, including measures to use the federal government to crack down on what the administration called "vast domestic terrorist networks."
Authorities say Robinson will stay on special watch status until passing a mental health evaluation.
Meanwhile, plans for a massive memorial service are underway for this Sunday, September 21, at State Farm Stadium in Arizona, Kirk's home state. It's expected to draw thousands, including Trump.
Prior to the hearing, the Utah County Attorney's Office is holding a press conference to formally announce the charges against Robinson.
To watch the livestream of the press conference, see attached video.
