Tyler Robinson, once a promising student and scholarship recipient, experienced significant changes in the year leading up to the Utah Valley University (UVU) shooting. According to his mother, he became more politically engaged, leaning left and supporting LGBTQ+ rights. This shift caused tension within his family, particularly between Robinson and his father, due to differing views. Robinson reportedly expressed strong disapproval of Charlie Kirk and his event at UVU, calling it “stupid” and accusing Kirk of promoting hate.
Prosecutors allege Robinson was politically motivated in the shooting, stating he deliberately targeted Kirk for his political views. His parents identified him from surveillance footage, and his father convinced him to surrender after confronting him. During this conversation, Robinson reportedly acknowledged his involvement and said he couldn’t go to jail, expressing frustration with what he called widespread evil and hate.
Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder and several other offenses, including witness tampering, obstruction of justice, and committing a violent act in front of a child. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. He allegedly asked his roommate to delete incriminating messages and hide evidence after the shooting. Police say Robinson planned the attack over a week and later admitted his actions in texts.
The shooting occurred while Charlie Kirk was speaking in a busy area of UVU. Video and witness accounts confirmed that the shooter fired from a rooftop. Investigators believe Robinson became more radicalized in the year prior, citing his mother’s account and personal relationships. His digital messages suggest premeditation and efforts to cover up the crime.
Robinson briefly attended Utah State University in 2021 as a pre-engineering major before enrolling at Dixie Technical College. He was in his third year of an electrical apprenticeship at the time of the incident.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine how Robinson became radicalized and planned the shooting.
