Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk, was reportedly given the rifle used in the shooting by his family, Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said during a press conference on Friday, Sept. 16.
Gray said DNA “consistent with Robinson” was found on the trigger of the bolt-action rifle that police think was used to shoot Kirk on Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University in Orem.
According to Gray, when police later spoke with Robinson’s father after identifying his son as a suspect, the father “believed that the rifle that police suspected the shooter used matched a rifle that was given to his son as a gift.”
Texts Robinson allegedly sent to his roommate and romantic partner after the killing said the “only thing I left was the rifle wrapped in a towel,” according to Gray.
Gray, reading from a charging document obtained by PEOPLE, said Robinson allegedly wrote, “I’m worried what my old man would do if I didn’t bring back grandpa’s rifle,” and, “How the f— will I explain losing it to my old man.”
Gray announced that Robinson faces one count each of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and a violent offense in the presence of a child, along with two counts of obstruction of justice and witness tampering. Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty.
Authorities said Kirk was shot from the roof of a building about 200 yards away from the rally using a high-powered, bolt-action rifle.
Kirk, a well-known right-wing influencer and close ally of President Donald Trump, often toured college campuses and debated with students.
Robinson has no prior criminal record. He is registered to vote but has never voted in an election and is not registered with a political party.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Robinson lived with his romantic partner in St. George, Utah, more than 250 miles from Utah Valley University in Orem.
