Prosecutors Claim Engraving on Bullet Proves Suspect Tyler Robinson Targeted Charlie Kirk Over Politics

Prosecutors are bringing their evidence to the table as they try to prove Charlie Kirk’s death was politically motivated.

On Tuesday, August 18, prosecutors in Utah filed a court document in which they claimed that an engraved bullet in the suspected murder weapon that read “Hey Fascist! CATCH!” is proof that suspect Tyler Robinson fatally shot the late Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, for political reasons, CBS News reported.

Prosecutors said the inscription on the rifle — which they claim can be connected to Robinson via DNA — was an “overt political reference” and also pointed to a text message where the 23-year-old allegedly wrote “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out,” about the conservative activist.

Meanwhile Robinson’s attorneys claim the text message does not prove political motivation.

Whether Robinson was politically motivated is a key part of the trial because if he was, it would be considered an aggravating factor which could make him eligible for the death penalty, according to the outlet.

The prosecution also highlighted that Kirk’s anti-LGBTQ+ stance was very different from Robinson’s views, as he reportedly was romantically involved with his roommate, Lance Twiggs, CBS News noted.

As Globe previously reported, Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in September, and Robinson turned himself in the next day. He is currently facing multiple charges, including one count of aggravated murder, and has not yet entered a plea.

In July, a five-day preliminary hearing took place. The judge said he will decide whether the case will move to trial after hearing from the prosecution and defense again in September, per CBS News.