Presidential scholar turned FBI target: The story of Tyler Robinson, suspect in Charlie Kirk shooting

Who is Tyler Robinson?

Speaking to The New York Times, Robinson’s neighbours and classmates described him as a “reserved, intelligent young man” who loved video games, comic books, and keeping up with current events.  In high school, he earned excellent grades, scored well on standardised tests, and in 2021 received a four-year merit scholarship to Utah State University.

He even filmed a video reading the scholarship letter proudly. But after just one semester, he took a leave of absence and never returned. “It’s really sad that someone with his mind put it to that sort of use,” said Keaton Brooksby, a former high school classmate of Robinson’s.

Later, he enrolled in an electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College and acquired an apprentice electrician license in 2022. His neighbours described him as shy and reclusive, often keeping to himself. Some even thought he was a Republican, while others said he didn’t talk politics unless asked. “He “didn’t really talk politics… unless someone brought it up,” a person said, adding that Robinson wasn’t too fond of Trump or Charlie.

In high school, Robinson confidently discussed topics like the 2012 Benghazi attacks. “He gave us a whole spiel on what happened,” Brooksby said. “For someone who’s 14, he had a lot of information.”

Adrian Rivera, a former classmate, said Robinson hung around the Junior ROTC area at school but it’s unclear if he joined. He was a “massive Halo guy” and loved shooter games like Call of Duty.

Tyler Robinson received a presidential scholarship

Robinson’s mother posted about his 4.0 GPA in middle school and college-level classes in high school. “My brain hurts for him, but he’s so excited!” she wrote about his senior year. Former classmates described him as respectful, hardworking, and smart, the kind of student people would pick for group projects, even if not friends.

Jadia Funk revealed that Robinson was very much into computers. “The way he carries himself and speaks to others. I thought he’d be a C.E.O. or a businessman. He had good leadership qualities.” In 2021, he received a presidential scholarship to Utah State University but attended only one semester. At the time of the shooting, he lived in a St. George apartment with one roommate. 

Neighbours described him as a private, rarely seen outside type of person. One 18-year-old neighbour said, “He’d never talk to anybody. He’d always blast music with his roommate.” An 11-year-old recalled seeing Robinson acting nervous and cautious just days before the incident.

Robinson’s dislike of Charlie Kirk

According to police documents, Robinson had recently discussed with a family member that Kirk was holding an event in Utah, and they talked about “why they didn’t like him and the viewpoints he had.” Yet in high school, Robinson and his family were politically conservative and supported Trump ahead of the 2020 election, a former classmate told CNN

Robinson is registered to vote as unaffiliated and has never cast a ballot, though his parents are registered Republicans. Authorities are now trying to piece together what happened in the years leading up to Robinson’s alleged shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Robinson surrendered near his hometown. Authorities found a rifle with unfired ammunition engraved with internet jokes and slogans, including one reading: “Hey fascist! CATCH!” Some of the social media photos showed Robinson and his two younger brothers handling guns and enjoying outdoor life near Zion and Bryce Canyon.

(With Inputs from NYT, CNN)

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