Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer Tyler Robinson, 22, is “not co-operating” with authorities and has not confessed to carrying out the shooting, Utah’s governor Spencer Cox has told US media. Speaking to ABC News, Cox said people around Mr Robinson had been co-operating with the investigation. Cox appeared on various US news outlets on Sunday morning, where he also reiterated concerns regarding social media in the aftermath of Kirk’s death.
The governor was also asked about a New York Times report alleging Mr Robinson had spoken to others after the shooting via the Discord messaging platform, including allegations that he joked about being the gunman.
Cox told ABC News: “All we can confirm is that those conversations definitely were happening, and they did not believe it was actually him. “It was, it was all joking until, until he, you know, until he admitted that it actually was him.”
The governor said among those co-operating with authorities is Mr Robinson’s roommate, who he said was also his partner. He said the partner did not have have any knowledge about the alleged shooting, had been “incredibly co-operative” and was working with investigators “right now”. He also confirmed that the partner was currently “transitioning from male to female”, but, when asked by CNN, said that authorities do not yet know if that is relevant to the investigation.
An affidavit from the state of Utah confirms that Mr Robinson was arrested on suspicion of the crimes of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and obstruction of justice. He is currently being held without bail at Utah County Jail.
Mr Robinson was arrested on Thursday night, about 33 hours after Kirk was shot dead in Orem on Wednesday. Kirk was speaking at Utah Valley University at an open-air event held by Turning Point USA – the organisation he co-founded – when he was shot and killed. The event was part of the American Comeback Tour, which was a speaking engagement that took him to several college campuses throughout the US.
Kirk’s widow, Erika, on Saturday gave a tearful address in which she thanked first responders for their efforts and vowed that her “husband’s voice will remain”. A memorial service will be held on 21 September at the 60,000-seat State Farm Stadium in Arizona, the state where Kirk lived with his wife and two children.
Kirk, a controversial figure in US political discourse, was one of the highest profile right-wing activists in the US and a trusted ally of US President Donald Trump.
Turning Point USA aimed to spread conservative ideals at liberal-leaning US colleges, and played a key role in getting people to vote for Trump and other Republican candidates in the election last year.
Kirk was a strong supporter of gun rights, vehemently opposed abortion, was critical of transgender rights and promoted false claims about Covid-19.
His supporters said he was relatable and understood their concerns. But his views drew fierce liberal criticism, with his detractors calling his comments deeply offensive to some minority groups, including LGBT people and Muslims.
