Authorities investigating the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk are focusing on a possible political motive.
A friend of the suspected shooter, Tyler Robinson, said the 22-year-old had become sharply left-leaning in recent years, The Guardian reported.
Former Friend Speaks
The high school associate recalled playing video games with Robinson and debating politics.
“He was pretty much left on everything,” the former classmate said.
Robinson stood out from the rest of his family, who are conservative Republicans.
The acquaintance said Robinson often expressed anti-Trump sentiments during conversations.
He described Robinson as “the only member of his family that was pretty leftist.”
The friend noted bitter arguments began around Robinson’s sophomore year of high school.
During high school, Robinson reportedly escalated into heated debates with peers.
“He would always be ranting and arguing about them,” his friend recalled.
The behavior became more pronounced during Trump’s first term in office.
Family Background
Public records show Robinson lives in Washington, Utah, a city that voted 75% for Trump in 2024.
Both parents are active Republican voters, records confirm.
Robinson himself registered as an independent in 2021 but is currently listed as inactive.
University Years
Robinson earned a presidential scholarship to attend Utah State University.
He enrolled as a pre-engineering student but dropped out after one semester.
He later pursued an electrical apprenticeship at Dixie Technical College.
Neighbor Reaction
Neighbors described Robinson as academically gifted with strong test scores.
Kristin Schwiermann, 66, said she was shocked by the arrest.
“I didn’t think he would have done this,” she said.
National Shock
The shooting has been widely described as a political assassination.
Kirk, 31, was a husband, father, and co-founder of Turning Point USA.
His murder has sent shockwaves through the conservative movement and the nation.
