Republican Utah Governor Spencer Cox said Saturday that investigators believe suspected Charlie Kirk assassin, Tyler Robinson, was “deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology.”
“It’s very clear to us and to the investigators that this was a person who was deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology,” Cox told The Wall Street Journal.
The Journal report noted that Robinson “lived much of life on the internet.” His mother said that by age 15, Robinson was dressing up as “some guy from a meme” for Halloween.
Cox has previously revealed that Robinson’s family members told investigators that the 22-year-old, who did not have a registered political party affiliation, had become more political over the last few years. At a recent dinner, Robinson discussed Kirk’s upcoming appearance at an outdoor event on the Utah Valley campus in Orem, and talked about why he didn’t like Kirk or his conservative ideology.
Additionally, recovered bullet casings found with the apparent murder weapon had anti-fascist engravings, Cox said. One casing read, “Hey Fascist! Catch!” and another included the lyrics from a famous Italian anti-fascist song called “Bella Ciao.”
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox confirmed writings on bullet casings of Charlie Kirk’s killer, Tyler Robinson:
– Notices bulges, OWO what’s this?
– Hey Fascist! Catch!
– Oh bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao ciao ciao
– If you read this you are gay LMAO#CharlieKirk #TylerRobinson pic.twitter.com/bi3eghpBG4— CapitolModerate (@CapitolModerate) September 12, 2025
Kirk, 31, was assassinated while answering questions at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. The politico had massive influence with young conservatives, having founded Turning Point USA at just 18 years old. He was widely known for routinely speaking openly about his Christian faith.
Cox said during a Friday presser that Kirk’s assassination could be a “turning point” on whether the country would embrace free and open debate or turn to political violence.
“This is certainly about the tragic death, assassination, political assassination, of Charlie Kirk,” the governor said. “But it is also much bigger than an attack on an individual. It is an attack on all of us. It is an attack on the American experiment. It is an attack on our ideals. This cuts to the very foundation of who we are, of who we have been, and who we could be in better times.”
“Political violence is different than any other type of violence, for lots of different reasons,” Cox added. “One, because in the very act that Charlie championed of expression, that freedom of expression that is enshrined in our founding documents, in having his life taken in that very act makes it more difficult for people to feel like they can share their ideas, that they can speak freely.”
Related: ‘We’ll Never Surrender’: Erika Kirk Gives Emotional, Fiery Address Following Husband’s Assassination
