A photo file of Tyler Robinson. Photo credits: BBC

Prosecutors in Utah have alleged that the man accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk confessed in a hidden note to his roommate before his arrest.

Tyler Robinson, 22, faces seven charges, including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice and witness tampering, in connection with last week’s rooftop shooting at Utah Valley University. Kirk, 30, was killed by a single gunshot to the neck while answering a question during a campus event. Prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty.

At a news conference on Tuesday, Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Grey revealed that Robinson left a handwritten message under a keyboard for his roommate—described as his romantic partner—to discover. The note allegedly read, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and I’m going to take it.”

Grey also presented text exchanges between Robinson and his roommate in which he appeared to admit responsibility. In one message, Robinson allegedly wrote he shot Kirk because he had “had enough of his hatred” and told his partner, “To be honest, I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you.”

The prosecutor said Robinson’s DNA was found on the trigger of the bolt-action rifle believed to have been used in the attack. The weapon, once owned by Robinson’s grandfather, matched the description given by his father, who confronted him after recognising his likeness in police video.

Robinson, arrested after a 33-hour manhunt, is being held without bail at the Utah County Jail. During Tuesday’s court appearance, prosecutors read the charges against him: aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, two counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of witness tampering, and committing a violent crime in the presence of children.

Grey recounted that Robinson initially denied involvement when questioned by his mother but later hinted to his father and parents’ friend—a retired deputy sheriff—that he was the shooter before surrendering to authorities.

The prosecutor added that Robinson directed his partner to delete their messages and remain silent if approached by investigators, forming the basis of the witness tampering charges.

Authorities say Kirk’s killing occurred as he addressed a question on mass shootings by transgender individuals. The bullet narrowly missed others nearby, including children, before striking him.

Grey confirmed Robinson’s partner, who is cooperating with investigators, is transgender and transitioning. He declined, however, to say whether Kirk was targeted specifically for his views on transgender issues. “That is for a jury to decide,” he told reporters.

Robinson has not entered a plea. Prosecutors stressed that he remains innocent until proven guilty.