Utah officials on Tuesday formally charged the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk with capital murder and other crimes ahead of his first court appearance.
Tyler Robinson, 22, was charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and the commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child, Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said at a news conference. Gray said he would seek the death penalty, calling Kirk's slaying "an American tragedy."
"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 said.
Charlie Kirk case: Shooting suspect charged with aggravated murder, could face death penalty
Robinson is accused of firing a single bullet that lanced Kirk’s neck during a public appearance on Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City. The killing of Kirk, an influential ally of President Donald Trump and co-founder of Turning Point USA, shocked the nation amid an increase in political violence.
