What we covered here
• First hearing: Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the killing of Charlie Kirk, appeared virtually for his first court hearing since he was formally charged on seven counts today. Prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty.
• Text messages revealed: Charging documents show the suspect confessed in a series of messages sent to his roommate after the attack. Robinson’s mother said he had become more political and leaned left, “becoming more pro-gay and trans-rights oriented.” Robinson “began to date his roommate, a biological male who was transitioning genders,” his mother said, according to court documents.
• Congressional hearing: FBI Director Kash Patel testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee about the probe into Kirk’s murder. He told lawmakers that the FBI is interviewing more than 20 people who participated in an online chat with Robinson.
Mother and daughter who survived the shooting were in court for the suspect's appearance today
While Tyler Robinson, the suspect charged in Charlie Kirk’s murder, was not physically in court for his first appearance today, two women who survived the shooting on Utah Valley University’s campus were there to watch the suspect’s first moments in front of a judge.
Judge Tony Graf’s tightly controlled courtroom — with six pews and a notable hush — is tucked quietly inside the Fourth Judicial District Courthouse in Provo, Utah. With the suspected gunman appearing virtually, the seats in the courtroom were primarily filled with members of the media. But Keri Rasmussen and her daughter Bri were there, too.
Just days earlier, they had run for their lives when a gunman fatally shot Kirk. The mother and daughter duo — alongside Keri’s other daughter and her 1-year-old grandchild — went to UVU, Bri’s alma mater, specifically to attend Kirk’s debate event. Bri said they went in with open minds, wanting to “hear both sides and to see the good in people.”
When the shot rang out and chaos tore through the crowd, the family was separated.
“It plays over and over in my mind,” Bri told CNN. She’s said she is still grappling with how slowly the moments felt. “I’ve never experienced time like that ever.”
In court today, Robinson — who faces seven criminal counts, including aggravated murder — sat emotionless throughout the 12-minute proceeding. Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty in his case.
“I thought, well, you know, maybe we’ll see a glimpse of something? Nothing.” Keri said as she choked back tears. “I guess I’m not surprised. I mean, you’ve got to be dead inside to be able to do something like that.”
Officials charged the suspect involved in Charlie Kirk’s killing today. Here’s what we learned
It’s been a busy day for the investigation into the killing of political activist Charlie Kirk.
Officials announced charges against the man suspected of carrying out the fatal shooting, the suspect appeared in court for the first time today and FBI Director Kash Patel testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee about the investigation.
Here’s more on what we learned:
- Charges against Robinson: Shooting suspect Tyler Robinson, 22, faces charges for aggravated murder, two counts of obstruction of justice and felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, two counts of witness tampering and commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child, according to Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray. Utah County prosecutors used an information document rather than an indictment to charge Robinson. Gray said he intends to seek the death penalty for the suspect.
- Details from Robinson’s mother: Robinson’s mother told investigators that her son had begun dating his roommate, “a biological male who was transitioning genders” and that her son had “become more political and had started to lean more to the left” over the past year, according to court documents filed today. It was Robinson’s mother, Gray noted, who identified him through photos released by authorities. Gray also said Robinson’s mother told the county sheriff’s office that her son had accused Kirk of spreading hate.
- More on the incident: According to Gray, the bullet that struck Kirk narrowly missed several other individuals. Also, Robinson confessed to his roommate in a series of messages after the incident, according to charging documents. And the engravings on the shell casings found with the rifle in the shooting referenced memes, according to Gray.
- First court appearance: In Robinson’s first court appearance today, a judge in Utah’s Fourth District Court informed him of his charges and appointed an attorney to represent him. Robinson will remain in custody without bail and his next hearing date is scheduled for the morning of September 29, Graf said. The judge also granted a pre-trial protective order for Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, that was filed by Utah County prosecutors.
- Patel hearing: Things got heated earlier today during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, where Patel fielded tough questions surrounding the investigation into Kirk’s killing and defended recent firings at the bureau. Patel told lawmakers that the FBI is interviewing more than 20 people who participated in an online chat with Robinson. And while things got contentious between Patel and some Democrats during the hearing, several Republican lawmakers projected confidence in Patel.
CNN’s Tori B. Powell, Elise Hammond, Aditi Sangal, Chris Boyette, Maureen Chowdhury, Michelle Watson, Josh Campbell, Holmes Lybrand, Arlette Saenz, Devan Cole and Morgan Rimmer contributed to this post.
Judge grants pre-trial protective order for Charlie Kirk's widow
Judge Tony Graf granted a pre-trial protective order today for Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, that was filed by Utah County prosecutors.
Graf said he “reviewed the pre-trial protective order and will be grant issuing this pre-trial protective order in favor of Erika Kirk.”
The next hearing for Charlie Kirk's suspected shooter is September 29
The next hearing date for the suspected shooter is set for September 29, 10 a.m. local time (noon ET).
A lawyer must be appointed to represent Tyler Robinson, and their declarations must be filed before this date, Judge Tony Graf said.
The second hearing will be via WebEx, the judge later clarified.
Judge appoints an attorney to Kirk shooting suspect
A judge has appointed Charlie Kirk shooting suspect Tyler Robinson an attorney to represent him, he said in court today.
Judge Tony Graf said he reviewed Robinson’s financial situation and found that he is “indigent,” meaning he cannot afford legal fees.
Graf said he was “provisionally” appointing an attorney for Robinson, and that person need to file paperwork about their qualifications to the court before the next hearing.
Robinson faces seven criminal counts, including aggravated murder.
Robinson to remain in custody without bail
Judge Tony F. Graf said Tuesday that Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the killing of Charlie Kirk, will remain in custody, without bail.
“Mr. Robinson at this time, you will remain in custody, without bail” Graf said.
NOW: Kirk shooting suspect makes first court appearance
Tyler Robinson, the shooting suspect involved in the killing of Charlie Kirk, is making his first court appearance now. It is being held virtually.
Catch up on key moments from Kash Patel’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing
FBI Director Kash Patel was defiant during today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing as he fielded tough questions surrounding the investigation into Charlie Kirk’s killing and defended recent firings at the bureau.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Patel said during his opening statement. “If you want to criticize my 16 years of service, bring it on.”
Here’s a recap of key moments from this morning’s hearing:
New details in Kirk assassination probe: Patel told lawmakers that the FBI is interviewing more than 20 people who participated in an online chat with Robinson. According to charging documents, the suspect confessed in a series of messages sent to his roommate after the attack.
Scrutiny over Kirk investigation: Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, the top Democrat on the committee, ripped Patel for sparking “mass confusion by incorrectly claiming on social media that the shooter was in custody — which he then had to walk back with another social media post.” Later on, Patel admitted he could have “been more careful in my verbiage” but maintained he was being transparent with the public and giving timely updates.
Democrats slam Patel: New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker got in a heated exchange with Patel and said, “Mr. Patel, I think you’re not going to be around long,” adding, “I think this might be your last oversight hearing.” Sen. Adam Schiff and Patel got into a shouting match after the California lawmaker repeated questions on whether the FBI director had fired agents for political reasons and on the bungled release of Jeffrey Epstein case files.
Grilled on FBI firings: Patel defended the recent dismissal of two agency officials who are now contesting their firings, saying they “failed to meet the needs of the FBI.” Durbin called it “disgraceful” that Chris Meyer and Walter Giardina, both of whom are veterans, were terminated “apparently because of the rants of a podcaster.”
GOP lawmakers defend Patel: Top Republicans on the committee projected confidence in Patel, including Sen. John Cornyn, Sen. Lindsey Graham and Sen. Josh Hawley.
House lawmakers trade censure resolutions as tensions rise
In the span of a few minutes on the House floor, GOP Rep. Nancy Mace introduced a censure resolution against Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar and Democratic Rep. Greg Casar filed one against GOP Rep. Cory Mills.
Mace is moving to censure Omar and remove her from committees over comments following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Mace has accused Omar of mocking those mourning the death of the conservative activist in a recent interview and of promoting a video on X that disparaged Kirk.
An Omar spokesperson pushed back on Mace’s characterization of Omar’s comments about Kirk and criticized Republicans for not denouncing instances of political violence targeting the left.
“Congresswoman Omar was one of the first to condemn Charlie Kirk’s murder. She explicitly expressed her sympathies and prayers to his wife and children. She condemned his assassination and has routinely condemned political violence, no matter the political ideology,” the spokesperson said.
“In her interview, she also grappled with his divisive legacy, but she in no way implied violence was deserved, nor did she celebrate his death,” the spokesperson added.
The effort by Mace comes as Republicans are broadly calling for consequences for anyone who speaks critically of Kirk following his death.
Censuring a member of Congress, a formal condemnation once considered rare in the House chamber, has become a mechanism that both parties have utilized more regularly.
Meanwhile, Casar introduced a censure resolution targeting Mills following an allegation of assault and an allegation he threatened to release sexually explicit images of an ex-girlfriend. Mills has denied wrongdoing.
Engravings on bullet casings were "mostly a big meme," suspect says in messages included in charging documents
The engravings on the shell casings found with the rifle in the shooting of Charlie Kirk referenced memes, Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said.
Gray, reading from charging documents against the suspect, said that one round was fired and “DNA consistent with the defendant was found on the trigger,” as well as on other parts of the rifle and various cartridge casings.
The phrase “Notices bulges OwO what’s this?” was engraved on the fired bullet, Gray said.
“‘Remember how I was engraving bullets?’” Gray said, reading from messages the suspect sent to his roommate after the shooting. “’The f*kin messages are mostly a big meme, if I see “notices bulge uwu” on fox new I might have a stroke.”
Four other unspent casings also had engravings. Jamie Cohen, a professor at Queens College, City University of New York and an expert in memes and digital culture, told CNN last week they appear to reference video games and an anti-fascist song from Italy.
Robinson left his roommate a note saying that he was going to "take out Charlie Kirk"
The day of the shooting, Tyler Robinson texted his roommate to locate a note he had left which said he had the “opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk,” Utah Attorney Jeffrey Gray said.
“On September 10, 2025, the roommate received a text message from Robinson, which said, ‘Drop what you’re doing, look under my keyboard.’ The roommate looked under the keyboard and found a note that stated, ‘Well I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.’ Police found a photograph of this note,” Gray said.
According to Gray, after reading the text from Robinson, the roommate had responded, “What? You’re joking, right?”
Utah County uses an information filing, not an indictment, to charge Tyler Robinson
Prosecutors in Utah County have charged Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the killing of Charlie Kirk, through an information document rather than an indictment.
An information document is a formal accusation filed by a prosecutor, while an indictment is a formal accusation filed by a grand jury.
Context: An information court document allows prosecutors to directly charge someone and requires a probable cause hearing, where a judge will determine if there is enough evidence to proceed.
Utah County attorney says he has been measured in sharing details to ensure impartial jury and fair trial
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray was asked why his office has been measured in sharing the investigation information around Charlie Kirk’s killing, which is in stark contrast to FBI Director Kash Patel who has been more prompt.
“Well, as attorneys, we typically like to control that information to preserve an impartial jury and a fair trial,” Gray responded to a reporter during a news conference today.
Remember: Patel’s handling of the assassination has frustrated and angered people both inside and outside the FBI. Patel had posted on Wednesday that a “subject” was in custody, a claim he had to walk back less than two hours later. Patel’s style also struck the FBI employees as not in keeping with how previous FBI directors handled similar situations, normally trying to credit employees instead of themselves. Patel’s response has led some allies of President Donald Trump to question both publicly and privately whether he is equipped to handle the country’s top law enforcement agency.
Charges have been filed against Charlie Kirk’s accused killer. What happens next?
The suspect in the killing of Charlie Kirk will make his first court appearance Tuesday, just hours after the Utah County attorney announced the formal charges, including aggravated murder.
The suspect, Tyler Robinson, will appear virtually before a judge in Utah’s Fourth District Court to be informed of the charges and to ensure he has legal representation, according to County Attorney Jeff Gray. The hearing will be brief, he added.
Charging documents do not currently list an attorney for Robinson.
Robinson will be entitled to a preliminary hearing sometime after his first appearance, during which the state must show probable cause that he committed the crimes he is accused of, according to Gray.
“The purpose of the preliminary hearing is not to determine guilt, but simply to assure the court that the prosecution has enough evidence to proceed to trial,” the county attorney said.
If the judge finds probable cause and binds the case over for trial, an arraignment hearing will be held, Gray said. At that hearing, the judge will inform Robinson of the charges again, and Robinson will be required to enter a plea to each charge.
Then, ultimately, the trial will begin, according to Gray.
Prosecutor: Robinson said he killed Kirk because Kirk "spreads too much hate"
After Tyler Robinson’s parents became concerned that surveillance images of a suspect that authorities released looked like their son, and that a rifle that police believed was used in Charlie Kirk’s killing “matched a rifle that was given to his son as a gift,” his father called him, Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said.
The father contacted Robinson and asked him to send a picture of the rifle, but Robinson didn’t respond, Gray said. The father subsequently spoke on the phone with Robinson, who “implied that he planned to take his own life,” Gray said.
Robinson’s parents were then “able to convince him to meet at their home,” Gray said.
While talking to his parents at their home, Robinson implied that he shot Charlie Kirk, “and stated that he couldn’t go to jail, and just wanted to end it,” Gray said. When Robinson was then asked why he did it, “Robinson explained there is too much evil, and the guy (referring to Charlie Kirk) spreads too much hate,” Gray said, reading from a probable cause statement filed in court.
Correction: An earlier version of this post and its headline incorrectly quoted Gray about what he said was Robinson’s explanation for Kirk’s killing.
Utah County attorney says he wants to “ensure a fair and impartial trial"
The reluctance to share details of the investigation into the killing of Charlie Kirk to the public is an effort to ensure a fair trial, Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Gray said during a news conference.
“I understand the public’s desire to know the facts. My own family members have pressed me for information. Why are we reluctant to share the details of the investigation itself and comment on the case? Because I want to ensure a fair and impartial trial,” he said.
Gray went on to citing the protections afforded to the accused in the 5th and 6th amendments of the Constitution.
Suspected shooter discussed retrieving rifle with roommate in messages after shooting, documents show
Charlie Kirk’s suspected shooter, Tyler Robinson, confessed to his roommate in a series of messages after the incident, according to charging documents filed today by the Utah County attorney.
Here’s part of that exchange, as outlined in the documents:
In another part of the conversation, Robinson’s roommate asked why he did it. “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out,” Robinson replied, according to the documents.
Robinson also told his roommate that the rifle he allegedly used belonged to his grandfather. He sent several messages about how he might retrieve it while police were searching for him in the hours after the shooting.
“I’m worried what my old man would do if I didn’t bring back grandpas rifle,” Robinson said in the messages, and appeared to consider whether it could be traced back to him.
“I might have to abandon it and hope they don’t find prints. how the f*ck will I explain losing it to my old man,” he said, according to the documents.
Robinson also told his roommate to delete the messages and not to speak to police or the media.
Suspected shooter "accused Kirk of spreading hate," Utah County attorney says
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said the suspected shooter’s mother told the county sheriff’s office that her son had accused Charlie Kirk of spreading hate.
“In one conversation before the shooting, [Tyler] Robinson mentioned that Charlie Kirk would be holding an event at UVU,” Gray shared during a news conference today.
“Robinson accused Kirk of spreading hate,” Gray added.
Suspected shooter's mother identified her son in the photo released by authorities
Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray noted it was the mother of suspected shooter Tyler Robinson who identified him through photos released by authorities.
Here’s how the identification unfolded, according to Gray:
“On the evening of September 11, 2025, as law enforcement continued their investigation, Tyler James Robinson went to the Washington County sheriff’s office with his parents and a family friend to turn himself in. Robinson’s mother stated the following to police: On September 11, 2025, the day after the shooting, Robinson’s mother saw the photo of the shooter in the news and thought the shooter looked like her son. Robinson’s mother called her son, and asked him where he was. He said he was at home sick and that he had also been at home home sick on September 10. Robinson’s mother expressed concern to her husband that the suspect shooter looked like Robinson. Robinson’s father agreed.”
