What we've learned about the case against the man charged in Charlie Kirk’s killing

The judge has said he will appoint a public defender for Robinson.

Kirk, a confidant of President Donald Trump, was shot and killed Sept. 10 during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University.

Robinson is “believed to have targeted Charlie Kirk based on Charlie Kirk’s political expression and did so knowing children were present and would witness the homicide,” Gray said. After Kirk was shot, “Robinson hid the gun, discarded the clothing he wore when he fired the rifle and told his roommate to delete incriminating text messages and not talk to police.”

Robinson, of Washington, Utah, was arrested last week.

Here's what we've learned about the case:

Robinson confessed to his romantic partner

Gray said Robinson’s DNA was found on the trigger of the gun used to kill Kirk. The weapon was his grandfather’s rifle, which Robinson’s father told investigators was a gift.

Robinson texted his partner, with whom he shared a home, that he wanted to return to the campus to retrieve the rifle, but he never did. Robinson also told his partner in texts that he targeted Kirk because he “had enough of his hatred.”

“Some hate can’t be negotiated out,” Robinson texted.

Gray told reporters Tuesday that Robinson left a note for his partner hidden under his computer keyboard that said: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.”

Charging documents show the note said he had been planning to kill Kirk for more than a week.

Investigators are trying to determine if Robinson acted alone. Authorities have not indicated that his partner will be charged.

It is unclear how Robinson went unnoticed on the day of the shooting. Utah Valley University President Astrid S. Tuminez said Wednesday that the school is reviewing the security at Kirk’s event, but declined to provide further details.

Robinson split from family on political views

Moments before Kirk was shot, he was taking a question that touched on mass shootings, gun violence and transgender people.

A Christian father of two, he demonstrated a combative new approach to conservatism that openly criticized racial justice movements, the news media and LGBTQ+ rights. Critics said his views perpetuated racist, anti-immigrant and anti-feminist ideas.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has described Robinson’s roommate as a transgender person. Gray said the partner has been cooperating with investigators.

Robinson’s mother told investigators that their son had turned left politically in the last year and became more supportive of gay and transgender rights after dating someone who is transgender, Gray said.

It was unclear what caused Robinson’s shift to the left.

Robinson’s dating choice prompted several conversations with his family, especially between Robinson and his father. They had different political views, and Robinson told his roommate in a text message that his dad had become “diehard MAGA,” an acronym from President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign that stands for “Make America Great Again.”

State records show Robinson is registered to vote but is not affiliated with a political party and is listed as inactive, meaning he did not vote in the two most recent general elections.

Robinson confronted by family about killing

Robinson’s mother first recognized him when authorities released photos of the suspect. His parents confronted Robinson, and he told them he wanted to kill himself. The family persuaded him to meet with a family friend who is a retired sheriff’s deputy, who convinced Robinson to turn himself in.

Investigators spoke to Robinson's relatives and searched his family's home in Washington, about 240 miles (390 kilometers) southwest of Utah Valley University.

What do we know about Robinson?

Robinson grew up around St. George, in the southwestern corner of Utah, between Las Vegas and natural landmarks including Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.

He became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known widely as the Mormon church, at a young age, church spokesperson Doug Andersen said.

Robinson has two younger brothers, and his parents have been married for about 25 years, according to social media posts.

Like many in that part of Utah, the family frequently spent time outdoors — boating, fishing, riding ATVs, zip-lining and target shooting. A 2017 post shows the family visiting a military facility and posing with rifles. A young Robinson is seen smiling as he grips the handles of a .50-caliber heavy machine gun.

An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified Jeff Gray as the Utah County Prosecutor. He is the Utah County Attorney.