The man accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been identified as Tyler Robinson, 22, a Utah native who had been living with his parents “for a long time”, authorities said.
Mr Robinson was taken into custody on 12 September after a family member recognised him in surveillance images, a development investigators described as pivotal in ending a nationwide manhunt. That family member was apparently Mr Robinson’s father, who encouraged him to turn himself in, the BBC’s US partner CBS News has reported, citing two law enforcement sources. The father then reportedly contacted a family friend who informed the sheriff’s office.
At a press briefing on Friday announcing the arrest, FBI officials declined to discuss Mr Robinson’s background, political leanings, or possible motive, saying the investigation was ongoing.
“We are confident we have the right individual in custody,” an FBI spokesperson said, “but we are still working to establish the full picture of who he is and why he acted.”
Utah Governor Spencer Cox said a family member interviewed by investigators stated that Mr Robinson had become “more political” in recent years. The relative also said that during a dinner conversation before the attack, Mr Robinson had stated Kirk “was full of hate and spreading hate” and mentioned Kirk’s upcoming event at Utah Valley University, according to Cox.
“They talked about why they didn’t like him and the viewpoints that he had,” Cox said, referring to the conversation.
Public records reviewed by the BBC suggest Mr Robinson had in the past registered as an unaffiliated, or nonpartisan, voter in Utah. His parents, Matthew Carl Robinson and Amber Denise Robinson, are registered Republicans, according to state records.
Mr Robinson was not enrolled at UVU, the site of the shooting. Records reviewed by BBC Verify suggest he attended Utah State University in Logan for a single semester in 2021, possibly studying engineering. A photograph from that year shows him standing in front of the university’s sign holding an acceptance letter.
Investigators say Mr Robinson was steeped in online culture, pointing to inscriptions on shell casings linked to the case. Two casings displayed apparent references to trolling humour. One casing bore the phrase “notices bulges OwO what’s this?” — a reference to internet “copypasta” memes. Another unfired casing was inscribed with “If you read this, you are gay lmao”.
Other casings carried apparent anti-fascist references, including “Hey fascist! Catch!” and arrow symbols commonly linked to antifascism. One casing also bore lyrics to Bella Ciao, the anthem of World War Two-era Italian resistance fighters.
Authorities said Robinson appeared to have been active on Discord, where his roommate showed investigators messages from a user named “Tyler” referencing a rifle “drop point” and instructions on hiding the weapon.
For now, Robinson remains in custody as prosecutors prepare formal charges. The investigation into his background, motives, and affiliations continues in what officials are calling one of the most significant political killings in recent US history.
Credit - BBC
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