Prosecutors: Engraved Bullet Shows Kirk Was Shot for His Politics
In new court filings, prosecutors argue an inscribed bullet and a text message prove Tyler Robinson targeted Charlie Kirk over his political views as they seek the death penalty.
Prosecutors in the case against Tyler Robinson, charged with killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, argued in filings Tuesday that an engraved bullet found in the suspected murder weapon shows Kirk was targeted because of his politics.
The inscription reportedly read, "Hey Facist! CATCH!" Prosecutors called it an "overt political reference" and cited a text message allegedly sent by Robinson about Kirk: "I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out."
Whether Robinson acted out of political animus is central to the case, since it could make him eligible for the death penalty if convicted, or help his attorneys argue against that punishment. Prosecutors and the defense have filed competing documents on whether aggravating factors — including political targeting and endangerment of others at the Sept. 10 shooting at Utah Valley University — apply.
Robinson, 23, is charged with aggravated murder and other crimes. He has not yet entered a plea and turned himself in a day after the shooting.
Prosecutors also pointed to a handwritten note Robinson allegedly left for his roommate, Lance Twiggs, reading in part, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it." They noted that Kirk's opposition to same-sex marriage and gender-affirming care contrasted with Robinson, who was reportedly in a relationship with Twiggs and had considered a gender transition around the time of the killing.
In a recorded interview shown in court, Twiggs said he had never heard Robinson discuss Kirk before the shooting, though Robinson did sometimes talk about politics, including President Trump.
Robinson's attorneys have argued the text message is not strong enough to prove political motivation and did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the new filing. They have also contested a possible sentence enhancement for endangering others, saying the shooter "hit the intended target," while prosecutors say many people were within a "zone of danger" when Kirk was shot from a rooftop.
Judge Tony Graf said he will decide whether the case advances to trial after hearing further arguments on September 1. The filings follow a five-day preliminary hearing in July in which prosecutors presented what Kirk's family called "overwhelming" evidence, while defense attorneys challenged DNA and other findings.
This article was produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI), in accordance with our editorial policy.
