More information regarding the reasons behind the murder of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk has been made public by Utah authorities. According to reports, the suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, became more political in recent years, which led to the September 10 attack at Utah Valley University. During a public gathering hosted by his organization, Turning Point USA, Kirk was shot and killed.
Governor Spencer Cox claims that Robinson had previously shown contempt for Kirk’s political beliefs. Robinson allegedly called the commentator “full of hate and spreading hate” when discussing Kirk’s impending visit to the university during a recent family dinner. His family reported a change in his conduct, pointing out that he had gradually grown more radicalized.
Later, investigators discovered disturbing evidence that suggested the act was planned and motivated by ideology. Bullet casings were discovered close to the scene and at the wooded location where the bolt-action rifle was hidden. A number of the casings had strange and unsettling inscriptions that conveyed political and mocking messages.
Phrases like “notices bulges OWO what’s this?” and “if you read this you are gay lmao” were among the inscriptions, demonstrating Robinson’s use of internet meme culture in a violent way. Other messages, such as “oh bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao ciao ciao,” which referenced an Italian anti-fascist anthem, and “hey fascist! catch!” with etched arrows, had more overtly political overtones.
The scope of the planning was further exposed by Robinson’s Discord messages. In order to evade detection, he talked about taking the rifle from a drop site, concealing it with a towel, and changing clothes. Evidence found at the crime scene and throughout the investigation supported these details.
According to authorities, Robinson acted alone and was driven by ideological disagreement with Kirk’s political position. A number of charges, including aggravated murder, are pending against him.