Utah Governor Spencer Cox has revealed that Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, is refusing to cooperate with investigators and has not confessed to the crime. Robinson was taken into custody on Thursday night, more than 33 hours after Kirk was shot dead during a campus event at Utah Valley University in Orem.
Governor Cox, speaking on several US television networks on Sunday, said while those close to Robinson have been cooperating with authorities, the suspect himself remains uncooperative. Among those assisting investigators is Robinson’s partner and roommate, who is currently transitioning from male to female. Cox stressed that the partner had no knowledge of the shooting but had been “incredibly cooperative” with police.
Charlie Kirk, 31, was a high-profile conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, a group known for promoting right-wing ideas on liberal-leaning college campuses. He was delivering remarks at an outdoor event as part of his “American Comeback Tour” when he was struck in the neck by a single bullet. The shooting sparked a nationwide manhunt that ended when Robinson surrendered to police.
Authorities are still searching for a motive. Friends and family of Robinson told investigators that he had been steeped in “leftist ideology,” a claim Cox previously shared with the Wall Street Journal. Reports from the New York Times also suggest Robinson joked about being the shooter in Discord chats shortly after the attack, though initially framed the comments as his “doppelganger” being blamed.
Robinson is being held without bail at Utah County Jail and faces charges including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and felony discharge of a firearm. An affidavit confirmed the severity of the accusations, while Governor Cox said investigators continue interviewing “everyone that knows him” in pursuit of answers.
The killing has intensified political tensions, with Cox calling it “a direct assault on America.” He urged for calm and unity, warning that social media is fueling division and describing it as a “cancer” on society. “We have to get phones out of the classrooms,” Cox said, pressing for accountability from tech companies.
Kirk’s death has deeply shaken his supporters. His widow, Erika, delivered an emotional tribute on Saturday, vowing her husband’s voice “will remain” and thanking first responders for their efforts. A large-scale memorial service is scheduled for 21 September at the 60,000-seat State Farm Stadium in Arizona, where Kirk lived with his wife and two children.
Kirk, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, was celebrated by his followers for his strong stances on gun rights, opposition to abortion, and criticism of transgender and gay rights. His critics, however, condemned him for divisive rhetoric, particularly toward minority groups. His assassination has left the nation grappling with the polarizing legacy of a figure who shaped conservative youth politics for more than a decade.
