Accused in the Kirk homicide now faces charges of aggravated homicide, with the district attorney citing DNA evidence on the firearm's trigger.
Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old man from Utah, was charged with aggravated murder on Tuesday in connection with the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA. The shooting occurred while Kirk was speaking with students during one of his regular campus talks at Utah Valley University.
According to the prosecutor, the death penalty is being sought for Robinson in the case. If convicted of killing Kirk, Robinson could face the death penalty.
Investigators carried out a search warrant at Robinson's family's home in Washington, Utah, in the aftermath of the shooting. Tyler Robinson's DNA was found on the trigger of the rifle he used in the shooting. It is unclear whether he has an attorney representing him.
Robinson allegedly shot Kirk in the neck with a bolt-action rifle from the roof of a nearby campus building. He was arrested late on Thursday in St. George, Utah.
The shooting raised fears about increasing political violence in a deeply polarised United States. Kirk's shooting also led to the cancellation of a British punk-rap group, Bob Vylan, in the Netherlands over statements related to Kirk.
Investigators are working to find a motive for the attack. Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated that those who know Robinson say his politics shifted to the left in recent years and he spent a lot of time in the "dark corners of the internet."
Tyler Robinson left a note under a keyboard indicating he planned to kill Kirk and confessed after the shooting. He was also charged with felony discharge of a firearm and obstructing justice.
More information may come out during Robinson's initial court hearing. The accused is scheduled to appear for a virtual court hearing on Tuesday afternoon. During the hearing, defense attorney Greg Skordas appeared before Judge Tony Graf.
Charlie Kirk, a close ally of President Donald Trump, became a dominant figure in conservative politics. His shooting has left a significant void in the conservative movement. The case continues to be under investigation.
