Key facts
- Prosecutors allege Tyler Robinson targeted Charlie Kirk due to his anti-LGBTQ+ political views.
- Evidence cited includes a letter from Kirk's associate and text messages from Robinson.
- Robinson's relationship with his roommate, who was exploring gender transition, was also noted.
- The defense argues the evidence does not establish Robinson's motive.
- A judge will hold a hearing on September 1 to determine if there is sufficient evidence to try Robinson for murder.
Prosecutors have stated that Tyler Robinson is accused of killing right-wing activist Charlie Kirk due to his political views, specifically his opposition to gay marriage and transgender rights. The comments were made in court documents filed on Tuesday, representing the most extensive explanation to date of the alleged motive behind the September 10, 2025, shooting at a Utah university.
Utah County attorneys presented a letter from David Engelhardt, a board member at Kirk's Turning Point USA organization, as evidence. The letter reportedly detailed Kirk's conservative values, including his belief that "experimentation with sexual/gender identity is sinful" and that "heterosexuality inside the confines of a marriage is the only virtuous pattern for sexuality." Prosecutors argued this showed Kirk represented a political movement against gay marriage and the acceptance of transgenderism and homosexuality.
Prosecutors alleged that Robinson's "lifestyle" was contrary to Kirk's religious and political views, and that the 23-year-old targeted Kirk because of his "political expression." They stated that the circumstantial evidence overwhelmingly suggests Robinson targeted Kirk due to his perception of Kirk's political beliefs.
Robinson's lawyer, Richard Novak, argued in court on July 9 that Engelhardt's letter provided no evidence that Robinson disagreed with Kirk's views or shed light on Robinson's state of mind. Prosecutors also noted that Robinson was in a relationship with his roommate, Lance Twiggs, who was exploring gender transition at the time of the shooting. Twiggs told prosecutors he began dating Robinson after meeting in 2023 and that he and Robinson first discussed Kirk after the incident.
Additional evidence cited by prosecutors includes a text message allegedly sent by Robinson to Twiggs after the shooting, stating he "had enough of (Kirk's) hatred" and that "(S)ome hate can't be negotiated out." Messages engraved on rounds found in the alleged murder weapon, including "Hey fascist, catch," were also presented.
The defense has until August 18 to file arguments regarding the sufficiency of the evidence. Utah District Court Judge Tony Graf will hold a hearing on September 1 to address the matter. Robinson remains in custody and has not yet entered a plea.