Journalism of Courage
Tyler Robinson, the Utah man accused of killing Charlie Kirk, agreed to surrender peacefully because he was afraid police might shoot him, Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby said on Wednesday, AP reported. Robinson turned himself in last Thursday at the sheriff’s office with his parents, appearing “quiet and sombre.”
“He didn’t want a big SWAT team at his parents’ house or his apartment,” Brooksby said, according to AP. “He was truly fearful about being shot by law enforcement.”
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot on September 10 at Utah Valley University while delivering a speech during his ‘American Comeback Tour.’ On Tuesday, prosecutors charged 22-year-old Robinson with capital murder and announced they would seek the death penalty.
Authorities revealed messages and DNA evidence linking him to the killing of Kirk, a close ally of President Donald Trump. Robinson had his first court hearing on Tuesday, and a judge appointed an attorney to represent him. His family has not commented publicly since his arrest.
On Wednesday, nearly a week after Kirk’s death, students at Utah Valley University returned to classes quietly, gathering around the barricaded courtyard where Kirk was shot. Care stations offering counselling services, candy, and stuffed animals were set up for students, according to AP.
Matthew Caldwell, a 24-year-old student, said, “The way that we treat each other in our words can ultimately lead to things like this. And I think everybody sort of understands that a little bit better now.”
Robinson, who grew up near St. George, lived more than three hours away from Utah Valley University. He reportedly opposed Kirk’s ideology, and his anger drove him to take such an extreme step. A retired detective and family friend eventually convinced him to surrender voluntarily.
Brooksby said Robinson seemed aware he would be caught and came to the sheriff’s office an hour later. “He knew it was inevitable that he would be caught,” said the sheriff. “If at the end of the day we accomplish his surrendering peacefully on his own, I’m going to make some concessions to make that happen.”
Investigators revealed Robinson left a note in his apartment saying, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.” He later confessed to his romantic partner via text: “I am, I’m sorry.” DNA on the rifle trigger confirmed Robinson’s connection to the crime.
Authorities are investigating whether anyone else knew about or helped with Robinson’s plan, though they have not disclosed whether his partner is involved.
Officials have not confirmed a motive, but prosecutors said Robinson told his partner, “I had had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.” Kirk was a conservative youth leader who played a role in Trump’s 2024 campaign.
Robinson’s mother told authorities he had become more politically left-leaning over the past year and supported gay and transgender rights.
In texts to his partner, Robinson described retrieving his rifle from a “drop point” but added the area was “locked down.” He later asked his partner to delete the messages and apologised: “To be honest, I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you.”
Following the shooting, President Trump vowed to crack down on what he calls the “radical left” and went as far as announcing plans to classify some groups as domestic terrorists. Former President Barack Obama, meanwhile, criticised Trump for deepening divisions in the country.
“There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it: The central premise of our democratic system is that we must be able to disagree and have even really contentious debates without resorting to violence,” Obama said Tuesday night during an event in Erie, Pennsylvania.
“And when it happens to some, even if you think they’re, quote, unquote, on the other side of the argument, that’s a threat to all of us. We have to be clear and forthright in condemning them,” he added.
Earlier today, ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show “indefinitely” after the host made remarks about Kirk’s death. The House Oversight Committee also called executives from Discord, Steam, Twitch, and Reddit to testify about how they prevent their platforms from being used to incite violence.
(With inputs from AP)
