Just four years ago, Tyler Robinson was celebrated as a promising student with a full-ride scholarship to Utah State University. Today, the 22-year-old is behind bars, accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk in a rooftop sniper attack that has shocked the nation.
Robinson, who scored in the top 1% nationally on the ACT exam and graduated from Pine View High School in 2021, once appeared destined for academic success. A video posted by his mother showed him proudly reading his scholarship letter, with her caption praising his “amazing journey.”
But after just one semester at Utah State, Robinson dropped out and later enrolled at Dixie Technical College, where he was studying electrical apprenticeship.
Authorities say Robinson fired the fatal rifle shot on Tuesday during Kirk’s appearance at Utah Valley University in Orem, killing the Turning Point USA co-founder in front of 3,000 attendees.
Engravings on recovered bullet casings included anti-fascist slogans, investigators revealed. Governor Spencer Cox said relatives told police Robinson had recently voiced disdain for Kirk’s views and mentioned his upcoming speech.
Robinson was arrested without incident Thursday night at his parents’ home in Washington, a town near Zion National Park. His gray Dodge Challenger, allegedly used to travel to the crime scene, was parked outside as police and media swarmed the neighborhood. A family friend tipped off investigators after Robinson implied he was responsible for the killing.
Neighbors described the Robinsons as a “great family” active in their local Mormon church, while former classmates remembered Tyler as a quiet but ordinary student with an interest in music. Social media posts from his mother portrayed a typical family life filled with vacations, school events, and pets, with no overt political messaging.
Robinson, who has no criminal record, is registered as an inactive voter with no party affiliation. He now faces suspicion of aggravated murder and awaits formal charges, which prosecutors are expected to file next week.
The arrest ended a 33-hour manhunt that briefly saw two other people detained before being released.
For many, the case raises unsettling questions about how a gifted teenager once bound for success could become the suspect in one of the most consequential acts of political violence in recent U.S. history.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
