Liputan6.com, Jakarta Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old man, is currently in the public spotlight after being charged with the premeditated murder of prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The case came to light following a tragic shooting that occurred on September 10, 2025, while Kirk was delivering a speech at Utah Valley University.
Robinson underwent a series of preliminary hearings virtually from the Utah County Jail on September 16 and 17, 2025.
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His court appearances marked a new chapter in a case that has garnered national attention, given the high profile of the victim and the nature of the alleged crimes.
During the ongoing legal proceedings, prosecutors have announced their intention to seek the death penalty against Tyler Robinson.
Serious Charges and Damning Evidence Against Tyler Robinson
Robinson appeared via video link, wearing a green vest top.
Judge Graf began by asking him to state his name. "Tyler James Robinson," he replied.
During his trial, Robinson wore what appeared to be a dark green sleeveless vest.
Two court officials told me the garment was intended to prevent self-harm. It was not a bulletproof vest.
In the indictment filed, Tyler Robinson faces seven serious charges, including aggravated murder, discharge of a firearm causing serious injury, and aggravated assault in the presence of children.
He is also charged with two counts of obstruction of justice and two counts of witness tampering, suggesting a systematic attempt to cover up his crimes.
One key piece of evidence was the discovery of Robinson's DNA on the trigger of the gun allegedly used in the shooting.
Furthermore, another equally important piece of evidence was a note allegedly left by Robinson explicitly stating his intention to kill Charlie Kirk.
Text messages to his roommate also indicated his confession and motive, with the quote "I've had enough of his hate. Some hate is non-negotiable," highlighting a political motive behind the act.
Robinson is also accused of obstructing justice by ordering his roommate to delete incriminating text messages and failing to cooperate with police.
He also allegedly disposed of the weapon and clothing he was wearing during the incident, adding weight to the charges he faces in court.
Charlie Kirk's assassin, Tyler Robinson, is officially facing the death penalty. pic.twitter.com/CWtc7t956G
— DramaAlert (@DramaAlert) September 16, 2025
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Death Penalty and Execution Methods in Utah
Given the seriousness of the charges and the evidence presented, prosecutors have officially announced their intention to seek the death penalty against Tyler Robinson.
"The decision to seek the death penalty is based on the available evidence and circumstances and nature of the crime," as reported by BBC.
This decision places this case among the most serious crimes in the state of Utah, where the death penalty remains a legal option.
Utah is one of the few states in the United States that still permits execution by firing squad as a method of capital punishment.
While this method is rarely used, its presence in state law provides an alternative option if lethal injection is unavailable or if the inmate chooses it.
According to Utah Code § 77-18-5.5, an inmate has the right to elect the firing squad within 30 days of sentencing.
Legal Proceedings Continue: Tyler Robinson's Detention Status
Judge Graf advised Robinson of his right not to incriminate himself, saying that anything he says in court today could be used against him, and that the court wants to protect his rights.
He said the next hearing will be on September 29 at 10:00 a.m. local time (12:00 p.m. ET, 5:00 p.m. BST).
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray has said prosecutors will seek the death penalty for Tyler Robinson.
"I do not take this decision lightly," he said.
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