Engelhardt wrote that the activist had sought to promote conservative values, including the belief that “experimentation with sexual/gender identity is sinful” and that “heterosexuality inside the confines of a marriage is the only virtuous pattern for sexuality”.
Prosecutors said the letter showed that Kirk embodied “not only a religious movement, but also a political movement against gay marriage and the accommodation and acceptance of transgenderism, homosexuality and sexual experimentation”.
Robinson’s Relationship with His Roommate
Prosecutors argued that Robinson’s “lifestyle” conflicted with Kirk’s religious and political views and that the 23-year-old had targeted him because of his “political expression”.
“The circumstantial evidence that Defendant targeted Mr. Kirk because of Defendant’s belief or perception of Mr. Kirk’s political beliefs is overwhelming”, prosecutors wrote in a submission outlining why they believe there is sufficient evidence for the case against Robinson to proceed to trial.
Robinson’s lawyer, Richard Novak, said at a hearing on 9 July that Engelhardt’s letter provided no evidence that Robinson disagreed with Kirk’s political or religious views and shed no light on his state of mind.
Prosecutors also noted that Robinson was in a relationship with his roommate, Lance Twiggs, at the time of the shooting and that Twiggs was exploring gender transition.
Twiggs told prosecutors in an April interview that he began dating Robinson after the two met in 2023. In footage shown in court, he did not address his gender identity and said he and Robinson had not discussed Kirk until after the shooting.
Messages on the Ammunition
Prosecutors cited several pieces of evidence that they say point to a political motive.
These included a message allegedly sent to Twiggs after the shooting in which Robinson said that he “had enough of [Kirk’s] hatred. [S]ome hate can’t be negotiated out”.
They also cited messages engraved on rounds found in the suspected murder weapon. One read: “Hey fascist, catch.”
The defense has until 18 August to file written arguments explaining why it believes there is insufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial. Utah District Court Judge Tony Graf will consider the matter at a hearing on 1 September.
Robinson has been held in custody since his arrest and has yet to enter a plea.
(lud)
