Tyler Robinson has been charged with the murder of Charlie Kirk.
Robinson, aged 22, is accused of firing the single rifle shot from a rooftop that hit the Conservative activist in the neck last week at Utah Valley University.
Utah County District Attorney Jeffrey Gray said at a press conference today that his office had filed a total of seven counts against Robinson, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice and witness tampering.
Prosecutors have added aggravating factors to the murder and firearm charges because Robinson is believed to have targeted Mr Kirk based on political views and knew that children would witness the killing, Mr Gray said.
Mr Gray said he had made the decision to seek the death penalty "independently, based solely on the available evidence and circumstances and nature of the crime".
The County Attorney alleged that in a conversation before the shooting, Robinson discussed that Mr Kirk would be holding an event at Utah Valley University which he described as a "stupid" venue and accused the right-wing activist of spreading "hate".
"Robinson's mother explained that over the last year or so, Robinson had become more political and had started to lean more to the left, becoming more pro-gay and trans-rights oriented, Mr Gray said.
"She stated that Robinson began to date his roommate, a biological male who was transitioning genders.
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Charlie Kirk was shot at Utah Valley University last week
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"This resulted in several discussions between family members but especially between Robinson and his father, who had very different political views."
Mr Gray then read out a text message exchange between Robinson and his roommate.
In one message, Robinson allegedly said, referring to Mr Kirk, that he had "had enough of his hatred", adding "some hate can't be negotiated out".
Mr Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder and head of the conservative student movement Turning Point USA and a key ally of President Donald Trump, was speaking at an event attended by 3,000 people when he was gunned down.
Tyler Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder following the death of Charlie Kirk
|OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR OF UTAH/GETTY
Robinson, a third-year student of an electrical apprenticeship at a state technical college, was scheduled to appear via video feed from prison today in Utah County Justice Court in the city of Provo.
Tributes flooded in for Mr Kirk following the shooting, including from Donald Trump.
Speaking shortly after his death, the US President posted to Truth Social: "No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie.
“He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us.
Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Gray said at a press conference today that his office had filed a total of seven counts against Robinson
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"Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”
A vigil held by the UK branch of Turning Point in central London drew a large crowd of supporters, with attendees lighting candles, laying flowers and standing in silence to honour Mr Kirk’s memory.
At one point the crowd joined together in prayer before leaving messages of condolence scrawled on cards and banners.
Several people were seen embracing and wiping away tears.