Suspect in Charlie Kirk killing charged with aggravated murder and weapon and obstruction offenses

This photo released by the Utah Governor's Office, on September 12, 2025, shows Tyler Robinson. (Utah Governor's Office via AP)
This photo released by the Utah Governor's Office, on September 12, 2025, shows Tyler Robinson. (Utah Governor's Office via AP)

Tyler Robinson, the man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a Utah university, is charged with aggravated murder.

The charge means Robinson could face the death penalty if convicted of killing Kirk last week at Utah Valley University in Orem, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City.

“The murder of Charlie Kirk is an American tragedy,” Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray says in announcing the charges.

Kirk was gunned down on Sept. 10 as he spoke with students and died soon after. Prosecutors allege Tyler Robinson shot Kirk in the neck with a bolt-action rifle from the roof of a nearby campus building.

Robinson, 22, is also charged with felony discharge of a firearm, punishable by up to life in prison, and obstructing justice, punishable by up to 15 years in prison. He was scheduled to appear on camera for a virtual court hearing this afternoon.

It was unclear whether Robinson had an attorney who could speak on his behalf, and his family has declined to comment to The Associated Press.

Robinson was arrested late Thursday near St. George, the southern Utah community where he grew up.

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