Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of fatally shooting conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, has reportedly stopped cooperating with law enforcement and retained legal counsel. According to CNN, Robinson initially spoke with investigators but has since gone silent. He is being held without bail at Utah County Jail and is expected to face multiple charges, including aggravated murder and obstruction of justice.
Court records indicate Robinson has no prior criminal history. Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed that officials have three days to formally charge him and stated that Robinson is believed to have acted alone. During a press conference, Cox shared that Robinson had recently expressed disdain for Kirk during a family dinner, calling him hateful and criticizing his viewpoints.
Robinson’s father identified him from FBI-released surveillance images and urged him to surrender. Initially, Robinson threatened suicide, but he was eventually convinced to turn himself in after speaking with a youth minister affiliated with the U.S. Marshals Service. A key break in the investigation came from Robinson’s roommate, who directed authorities to Discord messages referencing a stashed rifle and modified ammunition.
Law enforcement later recovered a Mauser Model 98 bolt-action rifle hidden in a wooded area near the Utah Valley University campus. The rifle, wrapped in a towel and fitted with a mounted scope, matched the weapon believed to have been used in the attack. Investigators also found engraved bullets and clothing changes detailed in Robinson’s Discord messages.
Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck while responding to a question about transgender mass shootings at a live event. Thousands witnessed the incident, which has intensified national debates over political violence. Hunter Kozak, the student who posed the question, later spoke out emotionally, condemning the act and reminding viewers of Kirk’s humanity, despite political differences.
As formal charges near, the case continues to draw intense media scrutiny and public reaction across ideological lines.
