Accused Shooter of Charlie Kirk Faces Aggravated Murder Charges

Articles | September 12, 2025 | by Catholics for Catholics

Share

In Utah, those charges can bring the death penalty.

By Catholics for Catholics

In one of the most harrowing cases in recent memory that has gripped the public’s attention, a 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of killing Charlie Kirk, the conservative commentator who was delivering a talk in a Utah University campus when he was slain by a single bullet.

Tyler Robinson, a former college student of Utah State University on a prestigious academic scholarship, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a weapon causing serious bodily injury, and obstruction of justice – all felony charges, according to Newsmax.

The aggravated murder charge carries the possibility of the death penalty. Formal charges are expected next week, authorities said at a Friday press conference. Gov. Spencer Cox said the state has three days to formally file charging documents. According to authorities, Robinson has no prior criminal history.

Kirk, 31, was killed Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He was giving a talk to hundreds in attendance and was answering a question about mass murder attacks when he was gunned down.

🚨BREAKING: President Trump demands the death penalty for Charlie Kirk’s assassin:

“I hope he gets the death penalty. Charlie Kirk was the finest person. He didn't deserve this. He worked so hard and so well. Everybody liked him.” pic.twitter.com/YpDAE2AyHy

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) September 12, 2025

Cox said investigators believe Robinson acted alone in the shooting. The alleged shooter admitted to a family member that he had slain Kirk, Cox said at a press conference before adding that the suspect had been booked into a Utah County jail.

In the state of Utah, a person who is convicted of aggravated murder can face the death penalty. During an interview President Donald Trump said the shooter should face the death penalty. “In Utah you have the death penalty, and a good governor there, I have gotten to know him. The governor is intent on the death penalty in this case and he should be,” Trump said on Fox News Channel.