OREM, Utah — Prosecutors in Utah County have filed a sweeping set of charges against 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson, accusing him of the fatal shooting of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk during a packed campus event at Utah Valley University (UVU) on September 10, 2025.
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According to a criminal information filed Tuesday, Robinson faces seven counts, including Aggravated Murder—a capital felony that could carry the death penalty or life in prison without parole. Additional charges include felony discharge of a firearm, obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and committing a violent offense in the presence of a child.
The Shooting at UVU
Kirk was shot once in the neck with a high-powered rifle while addressing hundreds of students and community members at UVU’s outdoor plaza. The event, part of a nationwide campus tour, was only minutes underway when the gunfire erupted. Prosecutors say the bullet narrowly missed others standing near Kirk, including the student who had approached the microphone to ask a question. Children were also visible near the stage at the time of the shooting.
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Kirk, 31, was rushed to a hospital but did not survive.
Surveillance and Forensic Evidence
Investigators tracked the suspected shooter using UVU’s surveillance cameras, which showed a man in dark clothing and sunglasses carrying what appeared to be a concealed rifle. Footage captured him climbing onto a rooftop with a clear line of sight to Kirk’s podium, lying prone in a sniper position, and fleeing moments after the shot.
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A bolt-action .30-06 rifle wrapped in a towel was later recovered in a wooded area near campus. Each round in the weapon bore disturbing etched messages, including phrases such as “Hey Facist! Catch!” and “If you read this, you are gay lmao.” DNA evidence on the rifle, cartridges, and towel matched Robinson.
Motive and Messages
Prosecutors allege Robinson specifically targeted Kirk because of his political expression. In interviews with investigators, Robinson’s parents described growing ideological clashes between their son and his conservative father. Robinson’s mother told police he had become increasingly vocal about LGBTQ+ rights and had called Kirk “hateful” in the weeks leading up to the shooting.
Robinson’s roommate—who was also his romantic partner—turned over incriminating text messages. In one exchange, Robinson admitted to carrying out the shooting, writing: “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.” He also instructed his roommate to delete the messages and remain silent if questioned by police.
Arrest and Charges
After a 33-hour manhunt, Robinson surrendered at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office on September 11, accompanied by his parents and a family friend, a retired deputy sheriff. By then, police had already matched DNA and surveillance evidence to him.
Alongside the capital murder charge, Robinson faces:
Felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury (1st degree)
Two counts of obstruction of justice (2nd degree), for discarding his rifle and clothing
Two counts of witness tampering (3rd degree), for pressuring his roommate to stay silent and delete messages
Violent offense committed in the presence of a child (Class A misdemeanor)
Prosecutors also filed a victim targeting enhancement, alleging Robinson chose Kirk because of his political views. If proven, that finding would weigh heavily at sentencing.
What Comes Next
Utah County Attorney Jeffrey S. Gray said his office will pursue the case aggressively. Conviction on the aggravated murder count could result in the death penalty or life without parole.
A judge will now set Robinson’s initial court appearance. The case has already sent shockwaves across the country, drawing sharp condemnation and reigniting debates over political violence, free speech on campus, and security at public events.
