‘Deeply Indoctrinated With Leftist Ideology,’ Utah Gov Says Of Alleged Charlie Kirk Assassin

Utah Governor Spencer Cox revealed Friday that Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect in Wednesday’s fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, had become increasingly political and viewed Kirk as someone “full of hate and spreading hate,” according to family members who spoke with investigators, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Robinson allegedly fired a single shot from a bolt-action rifle that struck Kirk in the neck while the Turning Point USA founder spoke before an audience at Utah Valley University, the outlet reported. Police recovered ammunition etched with phrases including “Hey, fascist! Catch!” and unfired casings inscribed with lyrics from “Bella Ciao,” an Italian anti-fascist anthem that has gained popularity on TikTok.

Cox told reporters that Robinson’s relative informed investigators about a recent family dinner where Robinson and another relative “talked about why they didn’t like him and the viewpoints that he had,” according to the outlet. (RELATED: Alleged Charlie Kirk Assassin Reportedly Lived With Transgender ‘Partner’)

Utah Governor Spencer Cox says that investigators have made it clear that Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old charged in the assassination of Charlie Kirk, was “deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology” pic.twitter.com/On8ur3yC69

— Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) September 13, 2025

“It’s very clear to us and to the investigators that this was a person who was deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology,” Cox elaborated to the outlet.

The transformation puzzled Robinson’s own family. His uncle, Clinton Robinson, expressed shock after recognizing his nephew in surveillance photos. “I have no idea why he did this,” he wrote in a text exchange with reporters.

Robinson grew up in a Republican household in Washington, Utah, excelled as a 4.0 student, and earned a prestigious $32,000 college scholarship to Utah State University, the outlet reported. However, he attended only one semester before leaving. Law enforcement officials noted Robinson spent considerable time online, with his mother once posting that at age 15, he dressed as “some guy from a meme” for Halloween.

Robinson’s father assisted authorities in taking him into custody in Washington County, according to the outlet. President Trump stated Friday he wants prosecutors to seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted.