PROVO, Utah — Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of fatally shooting Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk during a campus speech earlier this month, finally has a defense attorney.
Kathryn Nester, a former federal public defender with more than 30 years of experience, is spearheading the defense, according to a Utah County spokesperson.
Kirk, a 31-year-old father of two, was facing a crowd at Utah Valley University as part of a national speaking tour when a sniper's bullet struck him in the neck in the campus courtyard.
This split image shows suspected assassin Tyler James Robinson, left, and victim Charlie Kirk, a founder of Turning Point USA, on the right. (Gov. Spencer Cox's office; AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Robinson is an electrician apprentice who recently drifted apart from his immediate family and became "more political" and supporting "more pro-gay and trans rights" over the past year, according to court documents.
In a text message to his roommate and trans romantic partner, he allegedly confessed to the crime and attempted to explain himself.
COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CHARLIE KIRK
"I had enough of his hatred," he wrote, referring to Kirk, according to court documents. "Some hate can’t be negotiated out."
Charlie Kirk speaks before he is assassinated during Turning Point's visit to Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (Tess Crowley/The Deseret News via AP)
Robinson faces charges including aggravated murder, which carries the potential death penalty in Utah. As a result, his defense counsel and co-counsel are required under state law to be qualified to defend death penalty cases.
Law enforcement tapes off an area after Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was shot at the Utah Valley University, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, in Orem, Utah. (Tess Crowley/The Deseret News via AP)
He may also face federal charges in separate proceedings.