OREM — State and federal officers are nonetheless piecing collectively a motive behind the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk throughout an occasion at Utah Valley College on Wednesday, however they are saying politics seem like a significant factor within the taking pictures.
Tyler James Robinson, 22, of Washington, Washington County, was booked into the Utah County Jail Friday for investigation of aggravated homicide and different offenses associated to Wednesday’s taking pictures. He was taken into custody in Washington County on Thursday evening earlier than being transported to Utah County.
Particulars about Robinson’s political ideology are sparse. He’s registered as unaffiliated with any political get together however was additionally an inactive voter, in response to state data. Which means he had not voted within the final two normal elections, together with the 2024 presidential election, and failed to reply to notices despatched to him by the Washington County clerk.
Nevertheless, relations say Robinson — a third-year scholar inside the electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical Faculty in St. George — “had change into extra political in recent times,” and had talked about to a member of the family that Kirk was coming to UVU throughout a dinner someday earlier than the day of the taking pictures, in response to a police reserving affidavit compiled by the Utah Lawyer Basic’s Workplace.
“They talked about why they did not like him (Kirk) and the viewpoints he had. The member of the family additionally acknowledged Kirk was filled with hate and spreading hate,” the affidavit states.
Political references had been engraved on bullets collected from a rifle believed to be the weapon used within the taking pictures. One learn, “hey fascist! CATCH!” and one other learn, “O Bella ciao, Bella ciao, Bella ciao, Ciao, ciao!,” in response to the arrest report. The latter is a lyric from “Bella ciao,” an Italian anti-fascism tune written within the Fifties.
“I believe that speaks for itself,” stated Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, when he was requested what he believed the messages meant.
Robinson attended Utah State College for a semester in 2021 earlier than enrolling at Dixie Technical Faculty, in response to the Utah Board of Greater Schooling. He additionally obtained some concurrent enrollment credit score at Utah Tech College whereas in highschool.
He had no felony historical past within the state court docket system earlier than his arrest.
Kristen Sugarman, a neighbor of the Robinsons who labored at a few of the colleges Robinson attended, stated she was shocked when she discovered he had been arrested within the case.
“He was all the time very quiet. He was very sensible. He had only a actual mellow persona — by no means brought about any issues,” she stated, including that his dad and mom are “nice.”
Washington officers declined to supply any details about Robinson, referring all inquiries to state and federal investigators.
Rep. Celeste Maloy, R-Utah, whose district contains Washington County, posted a video to social media on Friday, calling on residents to “keep calm and bear in mind the human facet,” and decrease the political temperature amid the worldwide highlight now on the world.
The incident, she stated, is not consultant of the neighborhood.
“What occurred was incorrect and it was ugly, and legislation enforcement has that nicely in hand,” she stated. “They will deal with it, however we will be left with one another. … This does not have to show into political violence or riots or anger at your neighbors. We are able to love one another by this.”
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