Prosecutors seeking the death penalty against Tyler Robinson in the killing of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk have pointed to an inscription on a bullet they say indicates he was motivated by political hostility.
The bullet reportedly bore the words, “Hey Fascist! CATCH!”, which prosecutors described as a clear political reference. They argue the inscription could help establish that Kirk was deliberately targeted because of his perceived political views.
Robinson, 23, is facing charges including aggravated murder over Kirk’s death at an event at Utah Valley University on September 10. He surrendered to authorities the following day but has not entered a plea.
Whether prosecutors can establish a political motive could be crucial in determining whether Robinson qualifies for the death penalty if convicted.
Both the prosecution and defence have submitted separate arguments over aggravating circumstances that could make the death penalty applicable. These include an alleged political motive and claims that the shooting placed other people attending the event in danger.
Judge Tony Graf is expected to hear further arguments from both sides on September 1 before deciding whether the case should proceed to trial.
In a filing submitted late Tuesday, prosecutors described the message engraved on the suspected murder weapon’s bullet as an “overt political reference”.
They also cited an alleged text message Robinson sent about Kirk, in which he wrote: “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
Robinson’s lawyers have disputed the significance of the message, arguing that it does not provide sufficient evidence of a politically motivated killing. They did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the latest prosecution filing.
Prosecutors have also drawn attention to differences between Kirk’s political positions and those they attribute to Robinson.
They pointed to Kirk’s opposition to same-sex marriage and gender-affirming care, contrasting those views with Robinson’s reported romantic relationship with his roommate, Lance Twiggs. Prosecutors said Twiggs had told investigators that he had considered transitioning around the time of Kirk’s killing.
A handwritten note allegedly left by Robinson for Twiggs reportedly stated: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it.”
However, during a recorded interview presented in court last month, Twiggs said Robinson had never discussed Kirk with him before the shooting.
Twiggs also told investigators that Robinson rarely discussed gender or LGBTQ+ issues, although he sometimes spoke about politics, including former President Donald Trump.
At a hearing in July, investigators presented DNA test results they said connected Robinson to the suspected murder weapon and a tool allegedly used to engrave the bullet cartridges.
Robinson’s defence team has repeatedly challenged the reliability of the DNA testing and other evidence presented by investigators.
The defence has also opposed a possible sentencing enhancement based on the alleged danger posed to other people at the event. His lawyers argued that the shooter “hit the intended target.”
Prosecutors, however, maintain that numerous people were within a “zone of danger” when Kirk was shot from a rooftop, potentially supporting the additional aggravating factor.
