A series of social media messages and extremist messages engraved on bullet casings suggest that 22-year-old Tyler Robinson may have harbored political motives when he carried out the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
On September 12, the Utah governor revealed that the suspect who shot and killed Charlie Kirk had repeatedly expressed hatred for conservative activist Kirk, even carving words full of political allusions on the shell casings used in the assassination.
Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Photo: FB
Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested on the evening of September 11 after his biological father handed over his son to police. Robinson allegedly shot Kirk in the neck during an “American Comeback Tour” event at Utah Valley University. The video shows Kirk jerking violently after being hit, before being confirmed dead.
Gov. Spencer Cox said Robinson’s family revealed he has recently become increasingly interested in politics, repeatedly speaking of Kirk as “full of hate.” Police seized many bullet casings engraved with anti-fascist words, quotations of the song Bella Ciao, the game Helldivers 2, or mocking memes. One even engraved: “If you can read this line, you’re gay, haha”.
Robinson’s roommate also provided a Discord message in which the suspect showed off hiding a gun in the bushes, talking about scopes and shell casings engraved with words.
Robinson was allowed to hold a gun from an early age. Photo: FB
Photos on Robinson’s mother’s personal page posted in 2017 show the suspect dressed up as Donald Trump for Halloween, while other photos show Robinson holding a gun since childhood.
Previously, the police offered a reward of $100,000 to track down the shooter. Security cameras recorded a person jumping from the roof and fleeing the scene after being fatally shot from a distance of 200 meters.
Tyler Robinson was arrested on the evening of September 11, more than a day after the assassination. Photo: FBI
Charlie Kirk, 31, is known for his hard-line MAGA views and heated debates with students across the United States. He died after being taken to the hospital.
Former president Donald Trump, who has repeatedly expressed admiration for Kirk, called him a “great legend.” He also issued a decision to let the flag fly throughout the United States until the evening of September 14 to commemorate the late politician. Kirk’s wife, former Miss Arizona Erika Frantzve, and their three-year-old daughter and 16-month-old son are mourning him.