Utah county prosecutor Jeffrey Gray has laid out a damning account of the murder of rightwing activist Charlie Kirk, describing the killing as an 'American tragedy'. In a 45-minute press conference, Gray detailed how 22-year-old Tyler Robinson allegedly planned and executed the shooting at Utah Valley University in Orem last Wednesday.
Gray said Robinson had become consumed by hate for Kirk and his politics, and planned the murder 'in a bit over a week' once he learned of Kirk's speaking engagement. The prosecutor revealed text messages Robinson sent to his roommate after the shooting, in which he confessed to the crime and begged the roommate to stay silent and hire a lawyer if police came calling.
According to Gray, the roommate, described as 'a biological male who was involved in a romantic relationship with Robinson', received a text instructing him to look under a keyboard, where he found a note stating, 'I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.' The roommate responded in disbelief, but Robinson confirmed his actions, saying, 'I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.'
Gray announced he is charging Robinson with aggravated murder and other offenses, and will seek the death penalty. He emphasised that the decision was made independently, despite calls from Donald Trump and allies for 'vengeance and retribution'. The weapon, a bolt-action rifle belonging to Robinson's grandfather, was found wrapped in a towel in a field near the university, with three unspent rounds engraved with messages including 'Hey Facist! Catch!' and 'O Bella ciao'.
