Utah Attorney General Jeff Gray announced that he is filing aggravated murder charges against Tyler James Robinson in the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a crime punishable by death.
Utah is one of five US states, along with Idaho, Mississippi, Oklahoma and South Carolina, that allow the death penalty by firing squad.
“The first charge is the intentional and knowing murder of Charlie Kirk under circumstances that created a significant risk of death to others“, he said at a press conference broadcast by leading American television networks.
Gray said he will seek the death penalty for Robinson.
“After the press conference, I will file a notice of intent to seek the death penalty. This decision was not made lightly, I made it independently as district attorney based on the evidence, the circumstances and the nature of the crime,“ he said.
Gray indicated that because the prosecution is seeking the death penalty for the suspect, Robinson will be held without bail.
In addition to the murder, the man is charged with a firearms violation.
“The second charge is unlawful use of a firearm resulting in serious bodily harm,“ the prosecutor said.
State authorities also charge Robinson with obstruction of justice for attempting to conceal the gun used in Kirk's death. He faces a total of seven charges.
Gray did not rule out the possibility of bringing new charges in the case.
“It is possible. If the evidence leads to other people who could be involved, then of course we will bring new charges“, he said in an interview with Fox News.
Kirk, 31, was shot on September 10 during a speech at a university in Orem, Utah. He died in hospital from his wound. A conservative activist, he was a supporter of US President Donald Trump.
Robinson was arrested on the evening of September 11, handed over to authorities by his father, to whom he confessed to the crime. Trump said he hopes Robinson is convicted and receives the death penalty in this case. According to Utah Governor Spencer Cox, authorities believe Robinson acted alone.
The next hearing in the case of the murder of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk will be held on September 29, announced U.S. District Judge Tony Graf.
“The hearing in this case is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. (19:00 Bulgarian time) on September 29“, he said. The hearing was broadcast on major American television networks.
The judge specified that Tyler James Robinson, the defendant in Kirk's murder, will attend the next hearing virtually.