Authorities are still trying to figure out what motivated the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at a Utah college, as the conservative activist's family plans a memorial service next week to remember his life and legacy.
Tyler James Robinson, 22, of Washington, Utah, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder and other felonies.Prosecutors are preparing formal charges that could be filed early next week when Robinson is scheduled to make his initial court appearance.
Investigators have spoken with Robinson's relatives and executed a search warrant at his family's home in Washington, about 240 miles southwest of Utah Valley University, where the shooting took place.
Below are some details about the murder:
What do we know about the motive?
Authorities have not provided many details about why they believe Robinson carried out the attack on Kirk.
Utah Gov. Spencer Co. said relatives told authorities that Robinson “had become more political in recent years.” They told authorities of a dinner conversation in which he mentioned Kirk’s upcoming visit to Utah Valley University and discussed whether the activist was spreading hate.
Cox said Robinson, 22, is “not cooperating” and that friends describe him as someone radicalized by the dark corners of the internet. “It’s clear he was heavily into video games,” Cox said on NBC. “His friends have confirmed that there was a kind of deep, dark web, Reddit culture, and other dark places on the internet that this person was deeply involved in.”
The governor also revealed that the suspect's partner was transgender, which some politicians have pointed to as a sign that Robinson was targeting Kirk for his anti-trans views. However, authorities have not said whether this is relevant to the investigation into Robinson's motive.
“The roommate was my partner, a man in the process of transitioning to a woman,” Cox explained. “I can say he’s been incredibly cooperative. This couple has been very cooperative. I had no idea this was even happening.”
State records show that Robinson is registered to vote, but is not affiliated with any political party and is listed as inactive, meaning he did not vote in the last two general elections. His parents are registered Republicans.
The ammunition found with the gun used to kill Kirk had mocking, anti-fascist, and meme-culture messages engraved on it. One of the casings had the message:"Hey, fascist! Get her!" Cox said.
What do we know about Robinson?
He grew up around St. George, in the southwest corner of Utah, between Las Vegas and natural attractions like Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.
Robinson became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, popularly known as the Mormon church, at a young age, according to church spokesman Doug Andersen.
Robinson has two younger brothers, and his parents have been married for about 25 years, according to social media posts. Robinson's mother's online activity reflects an active family that vacationed to Disneyland, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and Alaska.
Like many in that part of Utah, they spent time outdoors: boating, fishing, ATV riding, ziplining, and target shooting. A 2017 post shows the family visiting a military installation and posing with assault rifles. The younger Robinson can be seen smiling as he grips the handles of a .50-caliber heavy machine gun.
A straight-A high school student, who scored 99% on national standardized tests , was admitted to Utah State University in 2021 with a prestigious academic scholarship , according to a video of him reading his acceptance letter posted on a family member's social media account.
However, according to a university spokesperson, he only attended for one semester. He is currently enrolled as a junior in the electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College in St. George.
The murder has prompted calls for greater civility in the country's political discourse, especially on social media. However, many people have made comments about Kirk and the shooting that have led to consequences, including firings.
MSNBC political analyst Matthew Dowd lost his job shortly after making on-air comments about Kirk, one of the first of many figures to suffer similar consequences.
Office Depot announced Friday that it had fired a Michigan store employee who appeared in a video refusing to print flyers for a vigil honoring Kirk, calling them “propaganda.”
Several Delta Air Lines employees were also suspended after posting comments on social media that “went far beyond healthy and respectful debate,” Chief Executive Ed Bastian said in a message to the company.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' education commissioner warned the state's teachers that making"repugnant" statements about Kirk's killing could lead to penalties, including suspension or revocation of their teaching licenses.
A conservative internet personality who works with immigration officials in Chicago recorded a video outside Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker’s private residence urging onlookers to “take action” following Kirk’s killing. Pritzker’s office said security has been beefed up in recent days.
Turning Point USA, Kirk's conservative organization, will hold a memorial service for him on September 21 at State Farm Stadium outside Phoenix, where the Arizona Cardinals play.
Kirk's coffin arrived in his home state on Thursday aboard Air Force Two, accompanied by Vice President JD Vance.
His widow, Erika Kirk, vowed to continue his college campus tour and his radio shows and podcasts.
“To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die,” she said in a livestreamed video Friday. “It won’t. I refuse to let that happen.”
Flowers, American flags, and handwritten messages were left at a makeshift memorial for Kirk at the main entrance of Utah Valley University. The university has announced that security will be enhanced when classes resume on September 17.
