Tyler Robinson has been named as the suspect in the Charlie Kirk shooting. (Image: AP)
Tyler Robinson has been arrested as the suspect in the killing of American political activist Charlie Kirk, but there are still many unanswered questions. The 22-year-old reportedly lives in Southern Utah and confessed to the murder to his father, two sources told CBS. Utah Governor Spencer Cox said one of Robinson’s family members reached out to a family friend who then contacted a sheriff.
Mr Cox said Robinson was seen arriving at the Utah Valley University campus in a Dodge Challenger at around 8.29am local time. Robinson’s father reportedly knew his son was the suspect in the killing based on the images released by the FBI, the sources said. He was taken into custody by US Marshals, who informed the FBI, the sources added.
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A Discord account named ‘Tyler’ spoke of engraving bullets. (Image: Amber Jones Robinson/Facebook)
1. Motive
Authorities have not released any information regarding Robinson’s motive, but stressed he acted alone and no further arrests are expected to be made.
Robinson’s family told investigators he had become “more political in recent years”, and the suspect mentioned that Mr Kirk was visiting Utah Valley University.
The 22-year-old allegedly thought the conservative influencer was “spreading hate”.
Robinson reportedly dropped out of college. (Image: Facebook)
2. Movements on the day
His movements leading up to the event have not been fully revealed, but Utah Governor Spencer Cox said he was seen arriving at Utah Valley University in a Dodge Challenger at around 8.29am local time on Wednesday.
He was not a student at the college, Mr Cox added, and had been living with his family in Washington County, about three hours away.
FBI director Kash Patel said Robinson was taken into custody at 10pm local time last night after confessing to his father. His father then told a family friend, who informed a sheriff.
Robinson was taken into custody by US Marshals, who then informed the FBI.
3. Where he worked
No information has come out about Robinson’s job, if he had one at all. However, the Daily Mail reported that he was previously a student at Utah State University before dropping out after just one term.
He received a presidential scholarship of $32,000 (£23,000) to attend, according to a video posted on Facebook in March 2021.
Robinson says in the video while his family can be heard cheering: “Congratulations, you have been selected to receive the resident presidential scholarship from Utah State University.
“The scholarship is available for four years or eight semesters.”
It remains unknown why he dropped out in 2021.
4. Gun ownership
Investigators interviewed Robinson’s roomate, who showed them exchanges on the messaging app Discord between him and an accounted named “Tyler”.
“Tyler” described needing to get a “unique” rifle, leaving it in a bush, watching over the area, and wrapping it in a towel. The account also sent messages mentioning engraving bullets and a scope.
Mr Cox said officials found a bolt action rifle, with a scope, wrapped in a dark towel, and inscriptions on the bullet casings. However, it has not been revealed who this gun was registered to.
One inscription read: “Notices, bulges, OWO, what’s this?” Others included: “Hey fascist! Catch!”, “o bella ciao, bella ciao” and “if you read this you are gay lmao”.
5. Political affiliations
Robinson was a registered voter but was not affiliated with a political party, according to state voter records.
The records showed he was an “inactive” voter, meaning he had not cast a ballot in recent elections and had not responded to a mailing from the county clerk’s office.
Both of Robinson’s parents are registered Republicans, The Wall Street Journal reports.
In Utah, roughly half of voters are Republicans, and around a quarter are unafiliated.
