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.
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 Robinson's father, who encouraged him to turn himself in, according to CBS News, citing law enforcement sources.
At a press briefing on Friday, FBI officials declined to discuss Robinson's background, political leanings, or possible motive, citing an ongoing investigation. 'We are confident we have the right individual in custody,' said an FBI spokesperson, adding that they are still trying to understand the full picture of his actions.
According to Utah Governor Spencer Cox, a family member interviewed by investigators revealed Robinson had become 'more political' in recent years. Prior to the attack, during a dinner conversation, Robinson reportedly expressed strong negative feelings towards Kirk, who he claimed 'was full of hate and spreading hate' while discussing Kirk's upcoming event at Utah Valley University.
Robinson was previously registered as an unaffiliated, or nonpartisan, voter. His parents, Matthew Carl Robinson and Amber Denise Robinson, are registered Republicans. Notably, Robinson was not enrolled at UVU, the site of the shooting, but was a student at Dixie Technical College.
Investigators say Robinson was steeped in online culture, noting certain inscriptions on shell casings linked to the case that exhibited references to online trolling humor and anti-fascist sentiments. For example, one fired casing featured a phrase typical of internet trolling, while another bore lyrics to a song associated with resistance fighters during World War II.
Robinson is also said to have been active on Discord, a social platform popular among gamers, where law enforcement discovered messages regarding firearms. His Discord account has since been suspended for violating policy.
Robinson remains in custody as prosecutors work to prepare formal charges. The investigation into his motives and potential affiliations continues, being described as a significant political killing in recent US history.
