Man, 22, Arrested in Charlie Kirk Shooting ‘Saw Trump Ally as Person Spreading Hate’
A 22-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the shooting that injured conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University (UVU) on September 12th. The suspect, identified as robinson, was taken into custody on Friday, according to utah Governor Spencer Cox.
robinson, an honor roll student in high school who scored in the 99th percentile nationally on standardized tests, received a prestigious academic scholarship to Utah State University in 2021 but attended for only one semester. He is currently a third-year student in the electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical college in St. George.
The break in the case came after a family member approached a family friend with details that Robinson had “confessed” or implied involvement in the shooting, governor Cox told reporters.Authorities believe Robinson acted alone.
Family members reportedly told investigators that Robinson “had become more political in recent years.” Cox described a recent family dinner where Robinson discussed Charlie Kirk, who was scheduled to speak at UVU, and expressed negative opinions.
“They talked about why they didn’t like him and the viewpoints that he had,” Cox said, referring to Robinson and a family member. “The family member also stated Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate.”
Further investigation led authorities to interview a friend of robinson,who shared a series of Discord messages in which Robinson discussed obtaining a gun. Upon his arrest, Robinson was wearing clothing “consistent” with surveillance photographs of the person of interest.
Authorities also found ammunition at the scene with engravings referencing meme culture and fascism, according to Governor Cox.
Robinson’s mother’s social media posts depict an active family life,including vacations to Disneyland,hawaii,the Caribbean,and Alaska. The family frequently engaged in outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, zip-lining, and target shooting. A 2017 post shows the family at a military facility posing with firearms, including a young Robinson gripping a 50-caliber heavy machine gun.
Her social media activity ceased after 2022. Prior to that, she praised her son’s academic achievements and documented his move into his Utah State University dorm in the autumn of 2021. She also described him as “beautifully talented on the piano” and a “tech genius” with a “wonderful sense of humour” and a love for the outdoors.
