Prosecutors in the case over the killing of Charlie Kirk have pointed to an inscription on a bullet as evidence that the conservative activist was deliberately targeted because of his political views.
In a court filing on Tuesday, prosecutors argued that the words engraved on the bullet (“Hey Facist! CATCH!”) amount to an overt political reference and support their claim that the shooting was politically motivated.
The question of motive could have major consequences for Tyler Robinson, who is accused of killing Kirk. Prosecutors are seeking to establish aggravating factors that could make Robinson eligible for the death penalty if he is convicted. While his defence team is challenging those claims.
Robinson, 23, faces charges including aggravated murder but has not yet entered a plea. He surrendered to authorities the day after Kirk was shot at an event at Utah Valley University. Prosecutors have also cited an alleged text message in which Robinson referred to Kirk by name and wrote: “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
They argue that the message, combined with the engraved ammunition and other evidence, points to a political motive. Robinson’s lawyers have disputed that interpretation, arguing that the text message alone does not establish that their client killed Kirk because of his politics.
The prosecution and defence are currently fighting over whether several alleged aggravating circumstances should apply if the case reaches trial. In addition to political targeting, prosecutors argue that the shooting endangered other people attending Kirk’s event.
Kirk’s Political Views
Kirk, who co-founded the conservative youth organisation Turning Point USA, was a prominent supporter of President Donald Trump and played a significant role in mobilising young conservative voters.
Prosecutors have pointed to differences between Kirk’s political positions and Robinson’s personal circumstances as part of their argument over motive. Kirk was an outspoken opponent of same-sex marriage and gender-affirming care.
According to prosecutors, Robinson was reportedly in a relationship with his roommate, Lance Twiggs, who told investigators that he had considered transitioning around the time of the killing. However, Twiggs reportedly told investigators that Robinson had never discussed Kirk with him before the shooting. He also said Robinson did not frequently discuss gender or LGBTQ+ issues, although the pair sometimes talked about politics, including Donald Trump.
Prosecutors have also presented a handwritten note allegedly left by Robinson for Twiggs before the shooting.
“I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it,” the note allegedly said.
Evidence presented during a five-day preliminary hearing in July included DNA analysis that investigators said connected Robinson to the suspected murder weapon and to a tool allegedly used to engrave the bullet cartridges.
The defence has repeatedly challenged the reliability of the DNA testing and other evidence presented by investigators. The two sides also disagree over whether the shooting should be considered an act that endangered other people.
Defence attorneys have argued that the shooter “hit the intended target”. While prosecutors maintain that numerous people were inside what they described as a “zone of danger” when Kirk was shot from a rooftop.
Post-Preliminary Hearing
The latest court filings follow the July preliminary hearing, during which prosecutors described their evidence against Robinson as overwhelming. However, the defence sought to cast doubt on investigators’ findings.
Judge Tony Graf is expected to hear further arguments from both sides on 1 September. This is before he decides whether the case should proceed to trial.
Robinson’s guilt has not been established, and the allegations made by prosecutors remain subject to the court process.
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