Prosecutors say bullet engraving shows Charlie Kirk targeted for his politics

Bullet inscription central to motive argument

Prosecutors in the killing of Charlie Kirk have pointed to an inscription engraved on a bullet as evidence that the conservative activist was targeted because of his politics. In a court filing, they described the inscription "Hey Facist! CATCH!" as an "overt political reference," arguing it demonstrates the motivation of the defendant, Tyler Robinson.

The claim is central to the prosecution's case because establishing a political motive could make the crime eligible for the death penalty. Robinson, 23, is charged with aggravated murder and other offences over Kirk's fatal shooting during an event at Utah Valley University on September 10. He has not yet entered a plea.

The prosecution's filing was part of a broader exchange of court documents focused on whether the crime included aggravating factors that would make Robinson eligible for the death penalty. Along with the bullet inscription, prosecutors cited a text message they allege Robinson wrote about Kirk: "I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out." They also allege he left a handwritten note stating: "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it."

Defense lawyers dispute the political motive. They have argued that the text message is not strong enough evidence, and have questioned the reliability of DNA evidence that prosecutors say links Robinson to the murder weapon and a tool allegedly used to engrave bullet cartridges.

The aggravating factor dispute

The legal dispute over the death penalty centres on two potential aggravating factors: political targeting and whether the shooting endangered the thousands of attendees at the event. Prosecutors argue the shooting endangered people. The defense says the shooter "hit the intended target."

According to The News International, prosecutors counter that Robinson was a poor shot, "seldom hit the bullseye and sometimes misses the target completely" when practising. The defense also argued that only one shot was fired from an elevated position, over the crowd, hitting only Kirk, further contradicting the endangerment argument.

Defense seeks to ban cameras

Robinson's attorneys have also asked the judge to ban cameras from the courtroom, alleging that cameras and streaming of the September 1 hearing could turn the case into a "reality TV show." In court filings, defense attorneys Kathy Nester, Michael Burt, Richard Novak and Staci Visser wrote that media presence "distracts and places added pressure on hearing participants to perform for the media, as opposed to focusing on the facts, evidence and mechanics of the hearing." The defense also argued that livestreams could bias the public against Robinson by showing evidence that may not be admissible at trial later.

They additionally claimed that witnesses who provided statements admitted as "reliable hearsay" ahead of the July preliminary hearing "experienced harassment by law enforcement and interested third parties." The issue of media coverage is a side role in the case, which has been covered extensively in national media.

Upcoming hearing

The case now shifts to Judge Tony Graf, who is expected to hear further arguments on September 1 before deciding whether the case should proceed to trial. The judge has previously said he will rule on whether there is probable cause to send Robinson to trial.

Kirk's family — his widow and his parents — plan to attend the hearing, according to a report in Reuters.

Perspectives

Prosecution: The engraved bullet, texts and handwritten note show that, as outlined by prosecutors, the defendant targeted Kirk because of political hatred, making him eligible for the death penalty.

Defense: Robinson's attorneys argue the evidence does not establish political motive, and they dispute the aggravating factor of endangerment. They also seek to keep cameras out of the courtroom, warning that media coverage could prejudice the public and turn the case into a "reality TV show."

Roommate Lance Tweggs: Tweggs, who roommates with Robinson, told the investigators that he had never heard Robinson talk about Kirk before the shooting, and that Robinson sometimes talked about politics including Trump.