Prosecutors say Charlie Kirk was targeted because of his political expression, as they charged 22-year-old Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder over the conservative activist’s killing. The case has intensified concerns about political violence in the United States, given Kirk’s prominent role in conservative youth politics and his close links to President Donald Trump.

Court filings allege Robinson planned the attack for more than a week, left a note indicating his intent and later confessed in messages to his partner. Prosecutors cited a message in which he said he had had enough of Kirk’s “hatred”; the reported context included Kirk’s views on LGBTQ+ issues, although authorities had not publicly established a definitive motive.