Tyler Robinson, the man suspected of shooting Charlie Kirk, will not face federal charges for the crimes he is alleged to have committed. The conservative political activist was killed at his event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, prompting a 33-hour manhunt for the person believed to be responsible. Robinson, 22, was arrested after reportedly confessing to his father, who sought the help of a youth pastor and family friend.
The pastor informed the US Marshals, who detained Robinson until the FBI arrived on scene. He has now been charged with murder, causing bodily injury with a firearm, and obstruction of justice. Given the international attention brought to the case, many assumed Robinson would face federal charges – handed down when laws passed by US Congress and signed by the president are breached.
However, murders are rarely charged as federal crimes unless, for example, they involve the assassination of a federal government official or a killing on federal property.
Federal prosecutor Mary McCord explained that killing someone over differing political opinions does not count as a hate crime. There is also no federal charge for domestic terrorism.
She told POLITICO: “Right now, based on the facts I’m aware of, I don’t see an obvious federal crime. Of course, there’s hate crimes that sometimes can be applicable, but not for politics.”
Charges will be filed against Robinson on Tuesday, according to a statement from the Utah County Attorney’s Office sent to CBS News.
The office is “carefully reviewing all the evidence in this case to determine the appropriate charges to file”. County attorney Jeff Gray will also hold a news conference next Tuesday.
Robinson was a registered voter but was not affiliated with a political party, according to state voter records.
The records showed he was an “inactive” voter, meaning he had not cast a ballot in recent elections and had not responded to a mailing from the county clerk’s office.
Both of Robinsons parents are registered Republicans, The Wall Street Journal reports. In Utah, roughly half of voters are Republicans, and around a quarter are unafilliated.