FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi shared new developments in the prosecution of Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10, during an appearance on Fox News.
Motive under review
While the exact motive remains unclear, Patel confirmed investigators found evidence suggesting intent.
“I won’t stylize the evidence, but I will say what was found in terms of information was a text message exchange where he, the suspect, specifically stated that he had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and he was going to do that,” Patel disclosed.
On Robinson’s reasoning, Patel added: “And when he was asked why, he said some hatred cannot be negotiated with.”
Patel outlined the scope of the investigation, revealing that multiple devices had been collected from the suspect’s home.
“We’ve seized multiple electronic devices from the home of the suspect and his romantic partner. We’ve got computers, we’ve got laptops, gaming systems, cell phones,” Patel said.
He added that the FBI is conducting a thorough review of Robinson’s online activity.
“We are going to be interviewing scores of people, on not just these chats on Discord, but any communications that this individual had,” Patel explained.
Wider plot being probed
Patel emphasized the FBI is considering whether Robinson acted alone or as part of a broader conspiracy.
“We’re dedicating every asset we have to run the reverse daisy chain analysis of anyone that was in contact with the suspect … anyone he contacted, called and text-messaged and had chats on online social media platforms with,” Patel said.
State and federal charges
Bondi confirmed that Utah prosecutors hold primary jurisdiction and are expected to move quickly.
“They will indict most likely tomorrow or this week, and they will indict him for first-degree murder,” Bondi said.
She also addressed speculation about the death penalty under Utah law.
“It’s too soon right now, legally to say, but I think the governor has said that they want to seek the death penalty, which is very real in Utah, and they still have the firing squad in Utah,” she explained.
Bondi noted that federal prosecutors are also reviewing the case.
“We, as federal prosecutors, will look to see if we have federal charges as well … to ensure that this horrible human being faces the maximum extent of the law,” she said.
Court appearance
Robinson, accused of fatally shooting Kirk from a rooftop over 150 yards away during an event at Utah Valley University, is expected to make his initial court appearance on Tuesday afternoon.
