Tyler Robinson targeted Charlie Kirk because of his anti-LGBTQ message, which he found “repugnant” given his trans-lover lifestyle, prosecutors claimed at the Provo, Utah, courthouse on Tuesday.
The prosecution laid out Robinson’s alleged motive ahead of a critical ruling on whether the 23-year-old accused assassin will stand trial and be eligible for the death penalty.
“We know what charge Kirk stood for, and those ideas were repugnant to the defendant, who was in a homosexual relationship with a man who was considering transitioning genders,” prosecutor Ryan McBride argued, referring to Robinson’s relationship with partner Lance Twiggs — who also went by Luna.
via REUTERS
The alleged political targeting is one of several aggravating factors that should make Robinson eligible for the death penalty, McBride claimed.
Robinson could face a firing squad if sentenced to death.
Robinson’s dad was in the courtroom as lawyers discussed his sexuality and how it allegedly inspired the shooting.
Matthew Robinson traveled from his home around three hours away to watch lawyers give closing arguments on the evidence against his 23-year-old son, who stands accused of gunning down the Turning Point USA founder at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10 last year.
Prosecutors showed security camera footage of Robinson allegedly prowling the campus with a rifle hidden in his pants and examined experts who said his DNA was likely on the rifle and a screwdriver left at the crime scene, in the first stage of the preliminary hearing in July.
They also presented video testimony from Robinson’s trans lover Lance Twiggs, who claimed Robinson confessed to the shooting in texts and an emotional in-person conversation.