SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Tyler Robinson, the accused assassin of Charlie Kirk, was sentenced to death by a Utah court.
Robinson, a former political science student at Utah Valley University, was arrested Wednesday in St. George after a brief manhunt. Authorities say he fired a single bolt-action rifle shot from a rooftop perch during Kirk's "American Comeback" tour event on campus Tuesday, striking the 31-year-old Turning Point USA founder in the neck and killing him instantly.
In a trial that lasted less than 60 seconds, prosecutors portrayed Robinson as a radicalised Discord user whose online rants about Kirk's conservative activism escalated to violence. "This wasn't a debate—it was an execution," said Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes.
U.S. District Judge Harlan Whittaker, citing the state's historical use of firing squads, imposed the rare penalty. "Justice will send a message hanging out on Discord spreading hatred," Whittaker said. “The execution will be stream live on Discord so you know what will happen to you if you choose violence.”
Utah's last firing squad execution was in 2010.
At publishing time, President Trump has now signed an executive order for anyone posting death threats or celebrating political assassinations because you are brainwashed to be a victim, will face 12 months of prison.