"Radicalised Online": Utah Authorities Say Charlie Kirk's Killer Not Cooperating
Family and friends of the 22-year-old accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk described his politics as veering left in recent years as he spent large amounts of time scrolling the "dark corners of the internet," Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Sunday.
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Utah Governor Spencer Cox revealed the suspect's partner identified as transgender.
Washington:
According to Utah Governor Spencer Cox, the family and acquaintances of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, described his political views as increasingly left-leaning in recent years as he spent substantial time exploring "dark corners of the internet."
Authorities continue investigating the suspect, who is refusing to cooperate with law enforcement. While investigators haven't officially established a motive, Cox indicated that Robinson harbored animosity toward Kirk and may have become "radicalised" through online platforms.
Kirk, who established Turning Point USA to mobilize young conservative evangelical Christians as political activists, maintained a close relationship with President Donald Trump. His death prompted numerous tributes, including Sunday night's vigil at Washington's Kennedy Center. The 31-year-old father of two gained prominence partly through his speaking engagements and was fatally shot Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University.
"The evidence clearly points to a leftist ideology," Cox stated on NBC's "Meet the Press," referencing interviews with Robinson's relatives and friends. "Acquaintances have confirmed his deep involvement with Reddit culture and other obscure internet communities where he was heavily engaged."
Cox highlighted inscriptions found on ammunition used in Kirk's killing, which contained anti-fascist and internet meme references. Court documents reveal that one bullet casing bore the message, "Hey, fascist! Catch!"
The Republican governor, who has urged political figures across the spectrum to moderate their rhetoric following the attack, added, "I'm approaching this impartially. If the attacker had been a radicalised MAGA supporter, I would be equally forthcoming about that."
During several Sunday morning news programs, Cox emphasized that investigators continue working to determine the motivation behind the attack on Kirk, a Trump confidant. The governor indicated additional information might emerge when Robinson appears in court Tuesday.
Cox confirmed the suspect's partner was transgender, which some politicians have suggested as relevant given Kirk's anti-transgender positions. However, authorities haven't yet determined whether this connection is significant to their investigation of Robinson's motive.
"The roommate was a romantic partner, biologically male transitioning to female," Cox explained. "I can confirm this partner has been exceptionally cooperative with investigators and had no prior knowledge of the planned attack."
Authorities have interviewed Robinson's family members and executed a search warrant at his family residence in Washington, Utah, approximately 240 miles (390 kilometres) southwest of Utah Valley University.
State records indicate Robinson is registered to vote without party affiliation and is listed as inactive, suggesting he did not participate in the two most recent general elections. His parents are registered Republicans.
Robinson was raised near St. George, in Utah's southwestern region, between Las Vegas and natural attractions including Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.
He joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon church, at a young age, according to church spokesperson Doug Andersen.
Robinson's mother's online activity portrays an active family that traveled extensively. One photograph shows a younger Robinson smiling while handling a .50-caliber heavy machine gun outside a military facility.
A high school honor roll student who ranked in the 99th percentile nationally on standardized tests, Robinson received admission to Utah State University in 2021 with a prestigious academic scholarship, evidenced by a video of him reading his acceptance letter posted on a relative's social media account.
However, he attended for just one semester, according to university records. Currently, he is enrolled as a third-year student in the electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College in St. George.
The Kennedy Center vigil was among numerous tributes to Kirk, which included moments of silence at professional sporting events. In Washington, a line of mourners extended around the center. Attendees dressed in various attire, from formal suits and summer dresses to jeans and "Make America Great Again" caps.
Seventeen-year-old Domiano Maceri and his mother traveled approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Purceville, Virginia, to attend the Kennedy Center memorial. He shared that Kirk had helped him develop better communication with friends holding different viewpoints.
"I was definitely inspired in multiple ways," Maceri remarked while waiting to enter. "Kirk gave me confidence to discuss my beliefs more openly with my friends."
Speakers at the event included White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, two House members whose tributes were momentarily interrupted by emotion, and House Speaker Mike Johnson.
"Father, help us remember the principles of your word that Charlie worked daily to advance—that we not return evil for evil but overcome evil with good," Johnson prayed.
At Phoenix's Dream City Church, where Kirk previously hosted "Freedom Night in America" events, attendees viewed footage of the conservative activist discussing his desire to be "remembered for courage for my faith."
During a question-and-answer session, church pastor Angel Barnett encouraged the audience to honor Kirk by continuing his message.
"The left is nervous," Barnett declared. "They're concerned because they've lost control. Charlie initiated that movement, and we will perpetuate it."
Church panelist Brandon Tatum added: "These cowards believed they could end or eliminate the movement."
"They've only made it more powerful. They've only made it stronger."