Prosecutors in Charlie Kirk’s killing say engraved bullet suggests he was targeted over politics

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH: Prosecutors in the Charlie Kirk killing are pointing to an unusual detail from the investigation, an engraved bullet, as they argue that Tyler Robinson targeted Kirk because of his politics.

The inscription “Hey F**ist! CATCH!” is now at the center of a fight over Robinson’s alleged motive. Prosecutors say it is an “overt political reference,” while the defense argues that other evidence does not clearly prove the shooting was politically motivated.

The question could have major consequences for Robinson, who is charged with crimes including aggravated murder and has not yet entered a plea.

Tyler Robinson’s engraved bullet becomes key evidence

In court documents filed Tuesday, Aug 18, prosecutors argued that the engraving on the bullet found in the suspected murder weapon shows that Kirk was targeted because of how Robinson viewed his political beliefs.

Prosecutors also pointed to an alleged text message Robinson wrote about Kirk: “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out.”

Whether those details are enough to establish political animus is now a major point of disagreement between the two sides. The prosecution is seeking to establish aggravating factors that could make Robinson eligible for the death penalty if he is convicted.

Charlie Kirk’s politics part of the motive debate

Before his death, Kirk and the organization he co-founded, Turning Point USA, played a major role in mobilizing conservative young voters and helping President Donald Trump win a second term.

Prosecutors have also drawn attention to the contrast between Kirk’s political views and Robinson’s personal circumstances. They say Kirk’s opposition to same-sex marriage and gender-affirming care stood in sharp contrast to Robinson, who was reportedly in a romantic relationship with his roommate, Lance Twiggs.

According to prosecutors, Twiggs told investigators that he had considered a gender transition around the time of Kirk’s killing.

A handwritten note prosecutors allege Robinson left for Twiggs also read, in part, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I took it.” But Twiggs told investigators that he had never heard Robinson talk about Kirk before the shooting.

He also said Robinson did not talk much about gender issues or LGBTQ+ rights, although he sometimes discussed politics, including Trump.

That account could become important as both sides argue over what motivated the shooting.

Defense challenges evidence as death penalty remains in focus

Robinson’s attorneys have questioned the strength of the evidence presented by prosecutors, including the alleged text message about Kirk. They have also challenged the reliability of DNA testing and other evidence presented during the five-day preliminary hearing in July.

Investigators said DNA analysis linked Robinson to both the suspected weapon and a tool he allegedly used to engrave the bullet cartridges.

The defense has also challenged a possible sentence enhancement based on the danger posed to other people at Kirk’s event at Utah Valley University on September 10.

Attorneys argued that the shooter “hit the intended target,” while prosecutors said numerous people were within a “zone of danger” when Kirk was shot from a rooftop.

The latest court filings come after Kirk’s family described the evidence presented during the preliminary hearing as “overwhelming.” 

“As difficult as these last few days have been, it brings our family comfort to know that the world has witnessed the overwhelming evidence of what occurred to Charlie that day,” the family said in a statement.

Judge Tony Graf is expected to hear arguments from both sides again on September 1 before deciding whether the case should advance to trial.