Tyler Robinson, arrested for the murder of Charlie Kirk, is at the center of a political controversy. While his family is known for their right-wing affiliations, Utah's governor claims Robinson was influenced by leftist ideologies. The investigation reveals intriguing details, including inscriptions on bullet casings and Robinson's admiration for a far-right figure, adding complexity to the case.
The Enigma of Kirk's Murderer: Conflicting Political Views Emerge
The Enigma of Kirk's Murderer: Conflicting Political Views Emerge
Tyler Robinson was arrested for the murder of Charlie Kirk. However, reports about the suspect's political views are conflicting. Robinson is said to have admired a far-right figure and comes from a MAGA-loving family. But Utah's governor, on the other hand, has called Robinson "deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology."
31-year-old Charlie Kirk, who was close to Donald Trump, was shot dead during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, arrested the following day, is suspected of Kirk's murder.
Robinson's parents are reportedly registered Republicans and both voted for Trump in the recent presidential election.
– My son, his father, is a Republican and for Trump. Most of my family are Republicans. I don't know a single Democrat, says grandmother Debbie Robinson to the Daily Mail.
She describes her grandson as a quiet and withdrawn young man who "never" talked politics.
"Indoctrinated with Leftist Ideology"
But Utah's Republican Governor Spencer Cox has said that a family member of Tyler Robinson told investigators that the 22-year-old had become "more political" in recent years.
– It is very clear to us and to the investigators that this was a person who was deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology, Cox told the Wall Street Journal.
Cox said investigators discovered inscriptions on bullet casings found along with a rifle near the murder scene. One casing was engraved with a line from "Bella Ciao," an Italian song dedicated to those who fought against fascism during World War II.
On another casing, besides the words "hello, fascist – catch this," there was also an inscription with five arrow symbols – one up, one to the right, and three down. This corresponds to the combination of buttons players use to call in a bomb attack in the Swedish game "Helldivers 2," set in a fascist world.
President Donald Trump has made several statements blaming "the radical left" and their rhetoric for Kirk's death.
Alleged Admiration for Far-Right Figure
Nick Fuentes is the leader of the so-called Groyper movement, a group within the American far-right. Robinson is said to have admired Fuentes, according to the Economic Times. In a Facebook photo, Robinson appears to reference a Groyper meme, writes Vanity Fair. This has led to speculation about possible ideological connections or influences.
Kirk was often accused by Groyper supporters of having too moderate political views. On Saturday, Fuentes dismissed speculation that the Groypers were behind the shooting, writes Forbes.
"I and my followers are currently being blamed for the murder of Charlie Kirk by mainstream media, based on literally zero evidence," Fuentes wrote on X, followed by his claim that "the left shot" Kirk.
Lived with a Transgender Person
Charlie Kirk opposed transgender rights, writes Reuters. During a speech two years ago, Kirk called "this trans thing happening in America right now" "disgusting" and "against all common sense."
The last questions Kirk answered before he died were about transgender people. Asked if he knew "how many transgender people in the US have been perpetrators of mass shootings in the last ten years," Kirk replied "too many." CNN writes that "the vast majority of mass attacks in the US have no connection to transgender people."
Tyler Robinson lived with a transgender person at the time of the shooting, a police source told the New York Post. They reportedly had a "romantic relationship," FBI sources told Fox News.
Authorities are investigating whether Robinson considered Kirk's views on gender identity "hateful" towards people like Robinson's roommate, six sources with knowledge of the case told Axios. All sources perceived that Robinson was in a relationship with the person he lived with.
– It is clear that Robinson's roommate knew a lot and said nothing after the murder, so this is officially a person of interest who is cooperating, an investigator said.