Utah officials on Tuesday formally charged the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk with capital murder and other crimes ahead of his first court appearance.

Tyler Robinson , 22, was charged with aggravated murder , felony discharge of a firearm, obstruction of justice, witness tampering and the commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child, Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said at a news conference. Gray said he would seek the death penalty, calling Kirk's slaying "an American tragedy."

"I do not take this decision lightly, and it is a decision I have made independently as county attorney based solely on the available evidence and circumstances and nature of the crime," Gray said. More: Suspect in Charlie Kirk shooting charged with aggravated murder

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