Utah Governor Confirms Suspect in Kirk Killing Not Cooperating, Tied to “Leftist Ideology”

Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed that Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect in the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, is refusing to cooperate with investigators. “He has not confessed to authorities. He is not cooperating, but all the people around him are cooperating. And I think that’s very important,” Cox said in media interviews over the weekend.

Robinson was arrested Thursday evening after a 33-hour manhunt. His father identified him in FBI surveillance images and convinced him to surrender. Cox noted that Robinson’s romantic partner—a transgender woman transitioning from male to female—and his family have been fully cooperative with the investigation. “The roommate was a romantic partner… incredibly cooperative,” Cox added.

The governor also revealed that Robinson, despite being raised in a conservative household, had been “deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology.” According to Cox, both family members and friends provided details indicating the suspect’s ideological shift. He also criticized the role of social media, calling it “worse than cancer” for its influence on young people and potential to radicalize.

On Monday, FBI Director Kash Patel disclosed new evidence directly tying Robinson to the crime. A text message to a friend stated he had a chance to “take out Charlie Kirk” and that he was “going to do it.” Patel also said DNA from Robinson was found on both a towel wrapped around the rifle and a screwdriver left on the university roof.

Robinson remains under “special watch” in the Utah County Jail pending a full mental health evaluation. Authorities are closely monitoring him as the investigation continues and charges are expected to be filed.