Key facts
- Prosecutors allege an engraved bullet found with the suspected murder weapon indicates Charlie Kirk was targeted for his political views.
- The bullet was inscribed with the phrase "Hey Facist! CATCH!".
Prosecutors argue that an engraved bullet found in the suspected murder weapon, inscribed with "Hey Facist! CATCH!", demonstrates Charlie Kirk was targeted for his political views. The inscription and alleged text messages are central to the prosecution's case for seeking the death penalty against defendant Tyler Robinson.
The prosecution's argument that Charlie Kirk was targeted for his political beliefs could be a key factor in determining whether defendant Tyler Robinson faces the death penalty. The evidence presented, including a politically charged engraving on a bullet and alleged text messages, aims to establish motive for aggravated murder.
Prosecutors in the killing of Charlie Kirk argued Tuesday that an engraved bullet found with the suspected murder weapon, inscribed with "Hey Facist! CATCH!", demonstrates Kirk was targeted for his political views. This detail is central to the prosecution's bid to secure the death penalty for defendant Tyler Robinson.
In court documents filed Tuesday, prosecutors described the engraving as an "overt political reference." They also cited a text message allegedly written by Robinson stating, "I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out." Robinson's attorneys have countered that the text message is not strong enough evidence to prove political motivation and have questioned the reliability of other evidence, including DNA analyses.
Kirk, who co-founded Turning Point USA, was known for mobilizing conservative youth and his opposition to same-sex marriage and gender-affirming care. Prosecutors suggested these stances contrasted with Robinson, who was reportedly in a romantic relationship with his roommate, Lance Twiggs. Twiggs had reportedly considered a gender transition around the time of Kirk's killing, according to prosecutors.
Robinson, 23, faces charges including aggravated murder. He surrendered to authorities a day after the shooting. A handwritten note allegedly left by Robinson for Twiggs read, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it." During a preliminary hearing in July, prosecutors presented evidence linking Robinson to the weapon and a tool used to engrave the bullet cartridges.