Utah county prosecutor Jeffrey Gray has described the killing of rightwing activist Charlie Kirk as an 'American tragedy', as he laid out shocking details of the alleged killer's motive and actions. Tyler Robinson, 22, is charged with aggravated murder and faces the death penalty.
Gray told reporters that Robinson had become consumed by hatred for Kirk and his politics. The murder was planned 'in a bit over a week' after Robinson learned Kirk would speak at Utah Valley University. A bolt-action rifle belonging to Robinson's grandfather was used in the killing and later found wrapped in a towel near the university, with three engraved rounds reading 'Hey Facist! [sic] Catch!' and 'O Bella ciao'.
Text messages between Robinson and his roommate, who Gray said was also his lover, reveal a confession. After the shooting, Robinson texted: 'Drop what you are doing, look under my keyboard.' A note found there read: 'I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.' The roommate replied: 'What? You’re joking, right?'
When asked why he did it, Robinson responded: 'I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.' Gray noted that Robinson's mother said her son had become more political and left-leaning over the past year, particularly in support of LGBT rights.
