Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the killing of political activist Charlie Kirk, attends a court appearance remotely from his jail cell in Provo, Utah, on 16 September, 2025. Photo: AFP / Pool
The 22-year-old suspect in the killing of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been formally charged with aggravated murder, and prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty in the case.
Judge Tony Graf said Robinson would remain in custody without bail.
He has appointed Robinson an attorney to represent him.
The judge said he reviewed Robinson's financial situation and found that he is "indigent," meaning he cannot afford legal fees.
Graf said he was "provisionally" appointing an attorney for Robinson, and that person need to file paperwork about their qualifications to the court before the next hearing.
Robinson is also charged with two counts of obstruction of justice and felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, two counts of witness tampering, and commission of a violent offence in the presence of a child, Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said.
The next hearing date for the suspected shooter is set for 29 September. A lawyer must be appointed to represent Robinson, and their declarations must be filed before this date, Judge Tony Graf said.
He granted a pre-trial protective order for Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, that was filed by Utah County prosecutors.
The judge said he "reviewed the pre-trial protective order and will be issuing this pre-trial protective order in favour of Erika Kirk."
Earlier the Utah County Attorney said he was he was filing a notice of intent to seek the death penalty.
"I do not take this decision lightly, and it is a decision I have made independently as county attorney based solely on available evidence and circumstances and nature of the crime," Jeff Gray said.
Because prosecutors will seek the death penalty, the suspect will continue to be held without bail, he said.
Utah County Attorney General Jeff Gray speaks during a press conference after charges were filed against Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the killing of political activist Charlie Kirk. Photo: AFP / George Frey
Gray called Charlie Kirk's assassination "an American tragedy" and an "offence against the state and to the peace and enjoyment" of Utah's residents and visitors.
"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 and a search for truth, understanding, and a more perfect union," he said before announcing charges filed against the suspect in Kirk's killing.
Gray also remembered Kirk's role as a husband and father. He extended his condolences to Kirk's family, friends and his organisation Turning Point USA.
He said his office's reluctance to share details of the investigation into the killing to the public was an effort to ensure a fair trial.
"I understand the public's desire to know the facts. My own family members have pressed me for information. Why are we reluctant to share the details of the investigation itself and comment on the case? Because I want to ensure a fair and impartial trial," he said.
Charlie Kirk speaking on stage at an event in 2024. Photo: AFP / JOSH EDELSON
The day of the shooting, Robinson texted his roommate to locate a note he had left which said he had the "opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk," Gray said.
"On September 10, 2025, 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, 'Well I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I'm going to take it.' Police found a photograph of this note," Gray said.
According to Gray, after reading the text from Robinson, the roommate had responded, "What? You're joking, right?"
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