WASHINGTON, Utah — Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old man who stands accused of shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk, is reportedly not cooperating with police. However, those close to him have chosen to talk with investigators, according to remarks by Utah Governor Spencer Cox on Sunday.
During his appearances on multiple Sunday news shows, Cox shared that officials are interviewing family, friends, and other people who knew Tyler, who was arrested on suspicion of shooting Kirk at a rally held at Utah Valley University. Formal charges against Robinson are anticipated by Tuesday.
Cox highlighted in an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press that the investigation is delving into Robinson’s family connections. “We’ve learned from family members and those we are interviewing that he came from a conservative background, although his views diverged significantly from those of his family. That’s part of the story we’re trying to piece together,” remarked the governor.
Notably, one essential source of information has been Robinson’s roommate, who is a romantic partner currently transitioning from male to female. Cox noted that this individual was completely unaware of the shooting until it broke in the news and was understandably shocked.
The governor also verified that Robinson had sent messages online to acquaintances after the incident, as reported by the New York Times. Moreover, he relayed to his father that he was the individual responsible for the shooting, leading to a family friend reaching out to local authorities.
Robinson is originally from a small town called Washington in southwestern Utah, located amongst picturesque canyons and striking mountain landscapes. The local community is in a state of distress, with the city’s official website featuring a note expressing their deep sorrow over both Kirk’s tragic shooting and Robinson’s recent arrest.
State records indicate that Robinson’s parents own a business specializing in custom countertops, with his mother being a licensed clinical social worker. He has two siblings, and on Sunday, bouquets of flowers and heartfelt notes calling for prayers were left at their family’s home.
Hundreds gathered on Sunday evening for a vigil to honor Kirk and confront the troubling reality that the suspect was raised in their community. Attendees sang classic tunes like God Bless America and Amazing Grace.
Jordan Hess, the city’s director of legislative affairs, spoke about the unity displayed at the gathering. “Dedicated citizens of the United States are coming together peacefully to make sense of what has occurred, emphasizing that love and unity are essential during such sorrowful times,” he stated.
Local residents Kaycee and Mallory King attended the vigil with their three children, hoping to model peaceful resolution of conflicts. Mallory, who is employed in telemarketing, expressed her concern about divisiveness in society, saying, “I sense a notable shift in the country; we appear to be more divided now than in past years. It’s vital to foster unity in moments like this.”
Kaycee, a carpenter, pondered the unsettling reality that an individual like the alleged shooter could emerge from their own community, saying, “It’s tough to comprehend that he could come from our backyard.”
