The suspect in the murder of prominent US conservative political activist Charlie Kirk is set to be formally charged in a Utah court on Tuesday, authorities confirmed.
Kirk, a close ally of former President Donald Trump and founder of the influential conservative youth group Turning Point USA, was fatally shot last week during a speaking event at a Utah university campus.
Authorities said 22-year-old Tyler Robinson fired a single rifle shot to Kirk’s neck from a rooftop. Robinson was apprehended following a 33-hour manhunt.
A father of two, Kirk built a large following on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, using his reach to promote conservative viewpoints, including sharp criticism of the transgender rights movement.
A polarizing figure, Kirk was known for posting carefully edited clips of his debates and interactions at college events.
FBI Director Kash Patel has faced heavy criticism for his handling of the case in its early stages, particularly after prematurely announcing the arrest of a separate suspect who was later released just two hours afterward.
Patel is scheduled to appear before a Senate panel on Tuesday, where he is expected to be questioned about the FBI’s response to the Kirk shooting among other issues.
Since his appointment by Trump as head of the FBI, Patel has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum.
On Monday, the White House announced plans to crack down on an alleged left-wing “domestic terror movement” following Kirk’s killing, raising concerns that such efforts could be used to suppress political dissent.
