Kirk killing suspect arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder

The 22-year-old accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder and two other state felony charges, according to court filings.

Tyler Robinson is in custody in Utah County Jail after authorities said he was arrested Thursday night. He was booked on suspicion of felony discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice, in addition to the murder offense. 

Aggravated murder carries the possibility of the death penalty, which President Trump has called for in the wake of the conservative activist’s assassination.

A magistrate judge ordered Robinson held without bail. Formal charges are expected to be filed early next week. 

Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck Wednesday while giving a talk at Utah Valley University.

Law enforcement announced Friday that Robinson was taken into custody after a 33-hour search that involved reviewing 11,000 different tips. He has no prior convictions, a public safety assessment report says.

The court affidavit parallels descriptions offered by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) but adds further details, including that Robinson appeared to hide the gun in his pant leg, leading to a “distinctive gait.”

“Prior to the shooting, Suspect appears to walk with a stiff, right leg and at a relatively slow pace. Suspect’s ability to bend his right leg appears to be restricted,” the documents state.

Law enforcement was able to track down Robinson after the suspect implied involvement in the shooting to a family member, who contacted a family friend, who then told authorities.

The latest filings also reference Robinson’s conversations with his roommate, in which the suspect talked about needing to recover a rifle he left wrapped in a towel in a bush.

Cox earlier described information relayed by a family member of Robinson, who described him as becoming more political in recent years.

“The family member referenced a recent incident in which Robinson came to dinner prior to Sept. 10, and in the conversation with another family member, Robinson mentioned Charlie Kirk was coming to [Utah Valley University,]” Cox relayed.

“They talked about why they didn’t like him and the viewpoints that he had. The family member also stated Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate.”

Christopher Ballard, a spokesperson for the Utah County Attorney’s office, told The Hill in a statement that the office is “carefully reviewing” the evidence in the case to determine the “appropriate charges” to file. 

Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray intends to file formal charges on Tuesday, after which Robinson is expected to make his first court appearance, Ballard said. Gray will not make public statements before that time.

Updated at 3:40 p.m. EDT