New evidence offers prosecutors’ clearest explanation yet for Charlie Kirk’s killing
Prosecutors say the man accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk targeted him because of his political and religious beliefs, arguing new evidence shows the killing was motivated by opposition to Kirk’s views on issues including same-sex marriage and transgender rights.
The allegations are detailed in court filings ahead of a hearing to determine whether Tyler Robinson, 23, will stand trial for the Sept. 10, 2025, killing of Kirk at Utah Valley University.
According to prosecutors, Kirk represented “not only a religious movement, but also a political movement against gay marriage and the accommodation and acceptance of transgenderism, homosexuality and sexual experimentation.”
The filing cites a letter from David Engelhardt, a Turning Point USA board member and friend of Kirk, describing Kirk’s mission as promoting 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 allege Robinson’s lifestyle conflicted with those beliefs and argue the evidence overwhelmingly shows he targeted Kirk because of his political expression.
Among the evidence cited is a text message prosecutors say Robinson sent after the shooting, telling his roommate he had “enough of (Kirk’s) hatred” and that “some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
Prosecutors also point to inscriptions allegedly found on ammunition recovered with the suspected murder weapon, including one round engraved with the words, “Hey fascist, catch.”
Court filings state Robinson was in a relationship with his roommate, Lance Twiggs, at the time of the shooting and that Twiggs was exploring gender transition. Prosecutors argue that fact provides additional context for Robinson’s alleged motive.
Robinson’s attorney, Richard Novak, has argued the prosecution has not produced evidence showing Robinson opposed Kirk’s political or religious views. He has also contended that Engelhardt’s letter sheds no light on Robinson’s state of mind.
Twiggs told investigators during an April interview that he and Robinson began dating after meeting in 2023. Video shown in court indicated the pair did not discuss Kirk until after the shooting.
Robinson has not entered a plea and remains in custody.
The defense has until Aug. 18 to argue there is insufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial. A hearing is scheduled for Sept. 1 before Utah District Court Judge Tony Graf.
