Prosecutors are reportedly seeking the death penalty against 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, as Charlie Kirk‘s widow, Erika Kirk, has posted the emotional moment at her husband’s open casket.
Before The Details On Erika Kirk & The Open Casket Moment, More On Prosecutors Seeking Death Penalty Against Tyler Robinson
According to USA Today, Tyler Robinson’s arraignment was on Tuesday, September 16. There, seven felony charges were read against him. This reportedly included “aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering.” At a press conference that same day, Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announced that prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty against the 22-year-old.
Nonetheless, Gray explained that Robinson “is presumed innocent until we, the state, prove to an impartial jury of defendant’s peers his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.” Additionally, per USA Today, because Robinson faces trial in the state of Utah, if he’s convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death, he could ultimately die by firing squad or lethal injection.
Swipe below to watch Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray share his statements. Additionally, swipe to see a list of the charges against Robinson.
Per the outlet, Robinson appeared in court via video call. Furthermore, he reportedly “showed no emotional reaction” to his charges or mention of the death penalty. Per TMZ, the video call showed Robinson wearing a “green suicide prevention smock.” The smock reportedly features velcro with no waistband, ties, or cords.
At this time, he’s reportedly being housed in “Special Watch” at the Utah County Jail. Furthermore, he is reportedly expected to enter a plea against his charges “at a future court date.”
Social Media Reacts To Charges & Potential Death Penalty
#1
Social media users entered The Shade Room’s comment section with reactions and thoughts on the charges and potential death penalty against Tyler Robinson.
Instagram user @mighuels wrote, “death penalty is crazy when school shooters get barely anything compared to that”
While Instagram user @chiiichiiigettheyayo added, “Death penalties for school shooters? Or are we skipping over that?”
Instagram user @kesojazzy_2.0 wrote, “They acting like they gone kill him tomorrow he gone sit for another 24 years 🤣…”
While Instagram user @millennialwealthsarah added, “This is so sad! We need to resort to violence! People celebrating should cheek deep within their soup because the shot could have hit a lot of people!”
#2
Instagram user @qtsdivinetouch wrote, “How many mass shooters in the last year got the death penalty?”
While Instagram user @taydaboo_ added, “Do these school shooters get the same penalty? Serious question!”
Instagram user @firedreadz_1987 wrote, “America is so funny bruh…you got people who kill children etc and don’t get the death penalty. 😒”
While Instagram user @prince.harrison added, “That’s a bit harsh actually”
Instagram user @5starrrbitxhh wrote, “Death penalty is wild yall don’t even give this punishment for school shooters”
While Instagram user @_boydey added, “Mass shooters don’t even get this ….. something is not right in America”
#3
Tyler Robinson's Text Messages Have Been Released
According to Newsweek, Tyler Robinson’s Discord messages were exclusively published via journalist Ken Klippenstein’s Substack on Tuesday, September 16. The messages appear to show Robinson’s presence in a group chat where other users initially shared their shock at Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Then, on September 11, just before 9 p.m., Robinson replied to the chat, writing:
“Hey guys, I have bad news for you all. it was me at UVU yesterday. im sorry for all of this. im surrendering through a sheriff friend in a few moments. thanks for all the good times and laughs you’ve all been so amazing. thank you all for everything.”
#4
Furthermore, in separate messages released by TMZ, Robinson is seen texting his roommate, informing them that he “hoped to keep this secret” until he “died of old age.”
When asked why he did it, Robinson replied, “I had enough of this hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out. If I’m able to grab my rifle unseen, I will have left no evidence… [I’ve been planning this] a bit over a week I believe…”
In the messages, Robinson noted his dad seeing pictures of the weapon used and becoming suspicious about his grandfather’s gun. Ultimately, the 22-year-old admitted the crime to his father and shared that he was going to willingly turn himself in.
#5
“don’t talk to the media please. don’t take any interviews or make any comments… if any police ask you questions ask for a lawyer and stay silent,” Robinson’s last apparent message to his roommate reads.
Per TMZ, Tyler Robinson is due back in court for a virtual hearing on September 29.
#6
Charlie Kirk's Widow, Erika Kirk, Has Shared Emotional Moment At His Open Casket
Tyler Robinson’s arraignment arrived days after Erika Kirk took to social media, sharing a look at the emotional moments at her husband’s open casket. Earlier this week, Erika took to Instagram, sharing a carousel, captioned with a portion of her televised speech where she paid tribute to her husband.
The first photo in the carousel featured her, Charlie, and their two kids. The second photo showed her at her husband’s open casket, seemingly sobbing while laying her face into his chest. The third post featured footage of her caressing his suit. Meanwhile, the remaining slides seem to show the casket’s removal and transport.
See her post by clicking here.
#7
Since then, Erika Kirk has also shared another video post, showing her husband holding their daughter while sharing the story of how they met — her “favorite love story.”
#8
Per Newsweek, Charlie Kirk’s funeral is expected to take place this upcoming weekend.
