Suspect in Charlie Kirk Shooting Not Cooperating with Authorities, Utah Governor Says
The suspect in the shooting death of Charlie Kirk, Tyler Robinson, is reportedly not cooperating with authorities, according to Utah Governor Spencer Cox. Robinson, 22, was taken into custody approximately 33 hours after Kirk, a 31-year-old right-wing activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday.
Investigation Details
Governor Cox, in appearances on various US news outlets, stated that while individuals around Robinson have been cooperating with the investigation, Robinson himself has not. He has also not confessed to carrying out the shooting. Cox also reiterated concerns regarding social media in the aftermath of Kirk's death.
Cox confirmed a New York Times report indicating that Robinson had communicated with others via the Discord messaging platform after the shooting, with some alleging he joked about being the gunman. Initially, others didn't believe it was him until, according to Cox, Robinson admitted to the act. The governor has emphasized that there is "so much more that we're learning and so much that we will learn," suggesting that more evidence will be available when official charges are filed.
Possible Motives and Suspect Background
Governor Cox previously told the Wall Street Journal that Tyler Robinson was "deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology." When questioned on CNN's State of the Union, Cox clarified that this information was offered by the suspect's friends and family. He also revealed that Robinson's roommate, who is also his partner, has been "incredibly co-operative" and is working with investigators, and did not have any prior knowledge of the alleged shooting.
Cox further confirmed that the partner is currently "transitioning from male to female," but stated that authorities do not yet know if that is relevant to the investigation. Orem police are interviewing numerous individuals who know Robinson to ascertain the actual motive behind the shooting. Robinson is being held without bail at Utah County Jail.
Details Surrounding the Shooting
Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University at an open-air event organized by Turning Point USA. The event was part of the American Comeback Tour, a speaking engagement taking him to various college campuses across the US.
Legal Status
An affidavit from the state of Utah confirms that Tyler Robinson was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and obstruction of justice.
Leftist Ideology Claim
Governor Spencer Cox has described Tyler Robinson as a “very normal young man” who appeared to have been “radicalized” after dropping out of college. He specified that Robinson spent considerable time immersed in online gaming, message boards and what Cox called the “deep, dark internet.” Cox, however, did not offer specifics to substantiate his assessment of Robinson’s views. President Trump and some Republicans have blamed Democrats and the “radical left.”
