Tyler Robinson had grown “more pro-gay and trans-rights-oriented” in the past year, his mother told cops in new details revealed Tuesday — as the accused Charlie Kirk assassin was hit with charges that could land him in front of a firing squad.
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray called Kirk’s killing “an American tragedy” as he provided more stunning details about the role Robinson’s parents played in his surrender while speaking at a press conference.
The developments came as the seven state charges were announced against Robinson, a 22-year-old with a trans boyfriend — including the top rap of aggravated murder, which qualifies for the death penalty in Utah.
Tyler Robinson, 22, was charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury and obstruction of justice in the murder of Charlie Kirk. AP
Utah County Attorney Jeffrey S. Gray announcing the charges against Robinson on Sept. 16, 2025. REUTERS
Kirk, 31, was fatally shot as he spoke to a crowd of thousands at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. AP
Gray said he would in fact seek Robinson’s execution, which could be by firing squad under Utah law.
“The murder of Charlie Kirk is an American tragedy” Gray told reporters at the Utah County Health & Justice Building in Provo.
“Charlie Kirk was murdered while engaging in one of our most sacred and cherished American rights — the bedrock of our democratic republic — the free exchange of ideas in a search for truth, understanding and a more perfect union,” he said.
The top prosecutor called Kirk’s killing “an offense against the state and to the peace and enjoyment of the people of Utah and all of those who visit us here” as he listed the litany of charges against the suspect, including felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, obstruction of justice, witness tampering and the commission of a violent offense in the presence of children.
The obstruction charges, both felonies, stem from Robinson allegedly concealing the rifle used in the shooting and disposing of the clothing he was wearing.
Both counts of witness tampering relate to instructions Robinson relayed to his live-in boyfriend, a man transitioning into a woman, directing him to delete his text messages and to stay silent if police questioned him.
The photo of the suspect released by the FBI. AFP via Getty Images
Robinson was turned in by his father after recognizing him in the photo released by the FBI. Facebook / Amber Jones Robinson
“After this press conference, I will be filing notice of intent to seek the death penalty. I do not make this decision lightly, and it’s one I’ve made as county attorney based solely on evidence and circumstances of the crime,” Gray said.
Robinson was arrested after a 33-hour manhunt — and was turned in to authorities by his father in connection with the assassination of the 31-year-old Turning Point USA founder.
Shortly before he surrendered, “Robinson’s mother saw the photo of the shooter in the news and thought the shooter looked like her son,” Gray said.
Robinson’s mother told police he had grown “more pro-gay and trans-rights-oriented” in the past year. amber.j.robinson/facebook
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Robinson.
Robinson pictured with his parents and siblings. Amber Robinson/ Facebook
She then called Robinson and asked him where he was at the time of the shooting, the top prosecutor said.
“He said he was at home sick and had been sick on Sept. 10,” Gray said.
Stay up to date on the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk
The aggravated murder charge potentially makes Robinson eligible for the death penalty under Utah law, which President Trump — who was a close friend of Kirk — has publicly supported.
Utah is one of five states that still use a firing squad as a method of capital punishment.
Robinson’s transgender partner Lance Twiggs. Lance Twiggs/ TikTok
Robinson allegedly told his partner to delete text messages about the shooting. amber.j.robinson/facebook
A disturbing text exchange revealed in Robinson’s indictment between the suspect and his trans roommate shed new light on the alleged killer’s twisted mindset in the hours after the shooting, which he said he’d been planning for a “bit over a week.”
In the messages, Robinson expressed fear about having to leave the murder weapon behind at the scene — suggesting it belonged to his grandfather and that his “pretty diehard maga” dad would mad if it disappeared.
Here’s the latest on the Charlie Kirk shooting in Utah
- Police identified Tyler Robinson, 22, as the alleged assassin who fatally shot Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10.
- Robinson was charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury and obstruction of justice.
- Law enforcement confirmed that Robinson was living with a transgender roommate, and communications between the two helping the feds catch the alleged assassin.
- Kirk, the 31-year-old Turning Point USA creator, was attending an event on his American Comeback Tour when he was fatally shot in the neck by a single shot.
- President Trump was among many who have called for the assassin to receive the death penalty.
- Kirk’s body was brought to Arizona from Utah on Air Force Two, accompanied by Vice President JD Vance, and taken to Phoenix’s Hansen Mortuary Chapel.
- Kirk’s funeral, which President Trump has promised to attend, is scheduled for Sept. 21 at State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals.
- Kirk, a rising MAGA star, is survived by his wife and two young children.
“I’m wishing I had circled back and grabbed it as soon as I got to my vehicle … I’m worried what my old man would do if I didn’t bring back grandpas rifle … idek if it had a serial number, but it wouldn’t trace to me,” he said.
“I worry about prints I had to leave it in a bush where I changed outfits. didn’t have the ability or time to bring with … I might have to abandon it and hope they dont find prints. how the f–k will I explain losing it to my old man?” he wondered in the text exchange.
The gun allegedly used by Robinson to kill Kirk. Obtained by the NY Post
Prints allegedly left on the roof where Robinson allegedly fired at Kirk at UVU. REUTERS
“judging from today I’d say grandpas gun does just fine idk. I think that was a $2k scope,” Robinson wrote in a message punctuated by a crying emoji.
He noted that his father and grandfather grew increasingly worried after the FBI released a picture of the weapon.
“my dad wants photos of the rifle … he says grandpa wants to know who has what, the feds released a photo of the rifle, and it is very unique. he’s calling me rn, not answering.”
The Post’s cover on the FBI investigation into Tyler Robinson and his potential accomplices.
Conservatives have been in mourning since Kirk’s assassination. Getty Images
Kirk was speaking to a crowd of about 3,000 on the campus of Utah Valley University on Sept. 10 when a single shot rang out as he answered a question about mass shootings perpetrated by people who are transgender.
He was struck in the neck and died of his injuries hours later, kicking off a massive manhunt for the suspect before he was taken into custody Sept. 11.
While no definitive motive has been officially announced, a picture has emerged over the last week casting Robinson as having a deep-seated disdain for Kirk and having been steeped in far-left politics, particularly in recent years.
When his roommate asked in a text message why he carried out the assassination, Robinson said, “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out,” charging documents show.
He also expressed consternation about his father’s support of President Trump.
“since trump got into office [my dad] has been pretty diehard maga,” Robinson wrote.
Robinson held “leftist ideology” and was “radicalized” online in the last few years, according to prosecutors accusing him of murdering Kirk, a father of two young children, while he debated students at UVU last Wednesday.
He allegedly confessed to the assassination via messages sent through the online community on Discord, according to the Washington Post.
“Im surrendering through a sheriff friend in a few moments. thanks for all the good times and laughs, you’ve all been so amazing, thank you all for everything.”
FBI Director Kash Patel said while testifying in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Tuesday morning that “a lot more” than the 20 people in the Discord chat were being investigated by the bureau.
“We’re running them all down,” he pledged.
Robinson will remain at Utah Valley Jail without bail.