Utah Gov. Spencer Cox says investigators have confirmed that Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of murdering Charlie Kirk, was “deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology.”
The comments came during a press conference Friday and in an interview with The Wall Street Journal.
Tyler Robinson Background
Robinson grew up in Washington, Utah, and briefly attended a Mormon church.
He earned top scores in high school and won a scholarship to Utah State University.
He attended for one semester before dropping out.
Robinson’s parents, Matt and Amber, are registered Republicans.
Neighbors described the family as “quiet” and “very good people.”
“I didn’t think he would have done this,” one neighbor said.
His Left Radicalization
Cox said Robinson’s left-leaning ideology became “very clear” during the investigation.
Friends from high school recalled him frequently arguing about politics.
Tyler Robinson
By his sophomore year, they said he had become sharply more partisan.
At a recent family dinner, Robinson reportedly discussed Kirk’s upcoming stop in Orem, Utah.
Relatives recalled him saying he “didn’t like” Kirk or “the viewpoints he had.”
One family member responded that Kirk was “full of hate and spreading hate,” according to an affidavit cited by Cox.
Robinson’s roommate provided Discord messages tied to the suspect.
The chats discussed retrieving a rifle and leaving it hidden in a towel.
The Mauser Model 98 bolt-action rifle was later found in nearby woods.
The Assassination
On Wednesday, Kirk was answering a question about mass shootings by transgender individuals when a single bullet struck his neck.
The Turning Point USA founder collapsed as thousands watched in horror.
He was rushed to the hospital but died from his injuries.
Investigators recovered bullet casings etched with disturbing phrases.
One read “Hey fascist! Catch!” while another said, “If you read this you are gay lmao.”
A third casing included “Bella Ciao,” an anti-fascist slogan popular on TikTok.
Political Reactions
Some Democrats attempted to deflect blame after the arrest.
Rep. Dave Min (D-Calif.) falsely claimed Robinson was part of “MAGA.”
Others insisted the suspect’s Republican family absolved the left of responsibility.
In remarks after Kirk’s death, President Trump blasted the “radical left.”
He said the left’s rhetoric comparing conservatives to Nazis has fueled political violence.
“This kind of rhetoric is directly responsible for the terrorism we’re seeing,” Trump said.
