Prosecutors have revealed the disturbing reason Tyler Robinson gave to his parents for assassinating Charlie Kirk.
Kirk was killed while speaking at an event organized by his company, Turning Point USA, on Wednesday (September 10) at Utah Valley University.
The conservative commentator arrived on campus on the first leg of his 'American Comeback Tour', organized by Turning Point USA, which he co-founded and stood as executive director.
Just minutes into a debate, he was fatally shot in the neck by 22-year-old Robinson.
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He has been charged with seven offences, including aggravated murder and obstruction of justice.
The seven counts are as follows:
- Count 1: Aggravated murder
- Count 2: Felony discharge of a firearm
- Count 3: Obstruction of justice - moving a firearm
- Count 4: Obstruction of justice - disposing of clothing
- Count 5: Witness tampering - telling a roommate to delete messages
- Count 6: Witness tampering - telling a roommate to stay quiet
- Count 7: Committing violent crime when children are present
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Utah District Attorney Jeff Gray confirmed the charges in a press conference on Tuesday (September 16), and introduced an idea of motive behind the killings.
Gray explained: "When asked why he did it, Robinson explained, 'There's too much evil and the guy [Kirk] spreads too much hate'."
Robinson was ultimately persuaded to turn himself in after speaking with a family friend, who is a retired law enforcement officer.
Prosecutors are now seeking the death penalty, with a reporter asking the Utah district attorney whether he had spoken with Donald Trump after the president previously suggested Robinson should receive the death penalty.
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The district attorney said: "I talked to officials from both administrations, but I was not pressured to make a decision. I understood their feelings on it because it was in the news, but we didn't really discuss that."
Robinson allegedly admitted killing Kirk to his roommate in a text exchange.
Gray explained in the press conference: "The roommate received a text message from Robinson which said: 'Drop what you're doing. Look under my keyboard.' The roommate looked under the keyboard and found a note that stated, 'I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I'm going to take it'."
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The roommate responded by writing: "What? You're joking," according to Gray, while the attorney revealed that the suspect also told his roommate that he killed Kirk because he had 'enough of his hatred'.
If you or someone you know has been affected by gun violence, please find more information and support via Survivors Empowered on their website.
Topics: Charlie Kirk, Tyler Robinson, US News, Crime, Politics
Callum Jones