Tyler Robinson charged with aggravated murder for Utah campus shooting; prosecutors seek death penalty
Washington
US President Donald Trump on Thursday officially labelled Antifa a “major terrorist organisation,” just days after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, his close aide. Writing on Truth Social, Trump called Antifa “a sick, dangerous, radical left disaster” and urged investigations into its funding.
Trump did not outline how his administration would define Antifa, which lacks a centralised leadership or structure. His announcement comes as he continues to blame left-wing groups for rising political violence across the country. In a recent Fox News interview, Trump said radicals on the right acted out of concern for crime, while radicals on the left were “the problem.”
The declaration follows charges filed in Utah against Tyler Robinson, accused of fatally shooting Kirk during a campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10. Prosecutors charged Robinson with aggravated murder and said they would seek the death penalty.
Court documents revealed that Robinson had become more political over the past year, leaning left on issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, and was in a relationship with a transgender roommate.
Kirk, 31, was founder of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), a conservative youth movement launched in 2012. Under his leadership, TPUSA grew into a powerful network with over 800 college chapters nationwide and played a central role in energising young conservative voters, especially during the 2024 election that secured Trump’s re-election.
Kirk’s death has shaken conservative circles, prompting Trump and his allies to double down on accusations against the left. The designation of Antifa marks one of the most aggressive steps yet in Trump’s campaign against political opponents.