Harmeet Dhillon, the assistant attorney general leading the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, said the agency is investigating the assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk as a possible hate crime.
Dhillon made the statement Sunday in an interview with journalist Catherine Herridge on her show Straight to the Point. Kirk was assassinated on Sept. 10 during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. Prosecutors have charged 22-year-old Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder and intend to seek the death penalty. Law enforcement authorities have said Robinson was in a romantic relationship with his roommate, who is reportedly a transgender individual.
“There are indications it may have been a hate crime. There is a Christian aspect to this, there’s a transgender aspect to this,” Dhillon told Herridge before adding, “The DOJ’s investigating it as a potential hate crime, yes.”
Dhillon added, “We are taking this matter very seriously. There have been numerous crimes in our country recently motivated by bias against people of faith, all faiths, including the Christian faith. So it’s a serious concern at the DOJ.”
Prosecutors say DNA evidence and text messages tie Robinson to the rooftop shooting, which he allegedly called retaliation for Kirk’s “hatred.” He also faces charges of firing a weapon, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering, with court hearings set for Jan. 16 and Jan. 30 in 2026.
STRAIGHT TO THE POINT: Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon
As Head of @TheJusticeDept Civil Rights Division, @AAGDhillon is taking on DEI, political violence, getting boys out of girls sports, government overreach, and more.
We sat down with her for an exclusive… pic.twitter.com/7Vc9OEN1Mj
— Catherine Herridge (@C__Herridge) November 9, 2025
