A Birmingham man has been sentenced to three years behind bars for orchestrating a sinister online plot to assassinate high-profile American conservative commentator and Turning Point USA founder, Charlie Kirk.
Tyler Robinson, 26, used the messaging platform Telegram to solicit a hitman, offering a substantial sum of money for the murder of the US political activist. The court heard how Robinson's digital trail of violent intent was uncovered by the UK's Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU).
Robinson, who pleaded guilty to soliciting to murder, was described as being consumed by an 'extreme hatred' of Mr. Kirk's political views. The plot was not deemed operationally viable by authorities, but the threat was taken with the utmost seriousness.
During the sentencing at Birmingham Crown Court, the judge emphasised the severity of making threats against individuals, especially those in the public eye, regardless of geographical boundaries. The case highlights the growing concerns over online radicalisation and the use of digital platforms to coordinate real-world violence.
Charlie Kirk, who leads the conservative student organisation Turning Point USA, is a frequent target of online vitriol but has not yet commented publicly on this specific case or the sentencing.
