Photo: Tyler Robinson
The man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk appeared in a Utah court on Tuesday, facing murder charges as prosecutors confirmed they will pursue the death penalty.
Kirk, 31, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot dead last week during a campus event in Utah.
Prosecutors allege that 22-year-old Tyler Robinson fired a single shot from a rooftop, striking Kirk in the neck before thousands of horrified onlookers. The attack has intensified political divisions across the United States, fueling both grief and anger on the right.
A nationwide manhunt ended 33 hours later when Robinson’s parents, recognizing their son in police-released photos, persuaded him to surrender.
Robinson appeared in court wearing a suicide-prevention smock, a precaution often used in high-profile cases. He spoke only to confirm his identity while Judge Tony Graf read out seven charges against him.
