Tyler Robinson charged with 7 counts including aggravated murder in Charlie Kirk assassination — could face firing squad

Tyler James Robinson has been formally charged in connection with last week’s fatal shooting of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk — and could potentially face the firing squad if convicted.

Calling Kirk’s killing “an American tragedy,” Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announced the charges against the 22-year-old at a press conference Tuesday afternoon, including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury and obstruction of justice.

“The murder of Charlie Kirk is an American tragedy” Gray told reporters at the Utah County Health & Justice Building in Provo.

“Charlie Kirk was murdered while engaging in one of our most sacred and cherished American rights — the bedrock of our democratic republic — the free exchange of ideas in a search for truth, understanding and a more perfect union,” he said.

Calling the killing “an offense against the state and to the peace and enjoyment of the people of Utah and all of those who visit us here,” Gray detailed seven total charges against Robinson, including obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and the commission of a felony in the presence of children.

“I’m filing notice of intent to seek the death penalty. I do not make this decision lightly, and it’s one I’ve made as county attorney based solely on evidence and circumstances of the crime,” Gray added.

Robinson was arrested after a 33-hour manhunt — and was turned in to authorities by his father in connection with the assassination of the 31-year-old Turning Point USA founder.

The aggravated murder charge potentially makes Robinson eligible for the death penalty under Utah law, which President Trump — who was a close friend of Kirk — has publicly supported.

Utah is one of five states that still use a firing squad as a method of capital punishment.

Kirk was speaking to a crowd of about 3,000 on the campus of Utah Valley University on Sept. 10 when a single shot rang out as he answered a question about mass shootings perpetrated by people who are transgender.

He was struck in the neck and died of his injuries hours later, kicking off a massive manhunt for the suspect before he was taken into custody Sept. 12.

While no definitive motive has been officially announced, a picture has emerged over the last week casting Robinson as having a deep-seated disdain for Kirk, and having been steeped in far-left politics, particularly in recent years.

In a chilling text exchange revealed by FBI Director Kash Patel Monday night, Robinson “specifically stated that he had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and he was going to do that,” the director said during an appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity.”

Robinson held “leftist ideology” and was “radicalized” online in the last few years, according to prosecutors accusing him of murdering Kirk, a father of two young children, while he debated students at UVU last Wednesday.

He allegedly confessed to the assassination via messages sent through the online community on Discord, according to the Washington Post.

“Im surrendering through a sheriff friend in a few moments. thanks for all the good times and laughs, you’ve all been so amazing, thank you all for everything.”

FBI Director Kash Patel said while testifying in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Tuesday morning that “a lot more” than the 20 people in the Discord chat were being investigated by the bureau.

“We’re running them all down,” he pledged.