Law enforcement officers who spoke with a family member of Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old alleged murderer of influential conservative activist Charlie Kirk, found out that he had become more political in recent years, Utah Governor Spencer Cox told reporters. During a family dinner, Tyler Robinson had mentioned that Charlie Kirk was coming to Utah Valley University before elaborating on why the Turning Point USA founder was not a likeable figure, he added.
While the murder that shocked America has been confirmed as a political killing, Tyler Robinson's affiliations remain yet to be fully explored. Although anti-fascist trolls and slogans were found inscribed on the bullets inside the murder weapon and the casings of those fired, it is now claimed by U.S. media reports that the accused came from a traditional Republican household. Hailing from a conservative household, Robinson's family backed Donald Trump during his first run to become the President of the United States, CNN quoted one of his former classmates as saying. When Trump was heading to take on Joe Biden in 2020, his family fully supported the Republican, the report added.
One of his neighbours from the St George apartment complex where he lived most recently reportedly told CNN that Tyler sounded like a Republican from their exchanges. However, there were contradictory reports too. The same media quoted an electrician, who worked with him on a job just a few weeks ago, as saying that it was evident that he was not fond of Donald Trump. While Tyler never spoke politics unless someone brought it up, it was clear that neither Charlie Kirk nor the President was in his good books, he said.
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U.S. media reports were also able to find out from voter registration records that while Robinson is registered to vote, he remained unaffiliated with any party. Later, the Washington County clerk said in a statement that despite being a registered voter, the youngster never cast a ballot.
Who is Tyler Robinson?
The governor said Robinson was living with his family in Washington County, in southwest Utah for a long time. This is about three hours away from Utah Valley University.
According to media reports, he was a student of Utah State University. He was offered an academic scholarship to attend the Logan, Utah-based university.
Utah State University confirmed that the suspect had attended the school there. "Utah State University confirms that Tyler Robinson, the suspect arrested in the killing of Charlie Kirk, briefly attended Utah State University for one semester in 2021," a statement from the university read.
The suspect is currently being at Utah County jail.