Authorities are still searching for clear answers in the shocking assassination of conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk , but Utah Governor Spencer Cox says investigators are increasingly concerned that the suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson , may have been radicalised through dark corners of the internet, including Reddit and meme-driven subcultures.
“Clearly a leftist ideology,” Cox told NBC’s Meet the Press, citing accounts from Robinson’s family and friends. On CNN’s State of the Union, he added: “That information comes from the people around him, his family members and friends.” The governor said Robinson is “not cooperating” with investigators, but friends have described him as someone who became increasingly immersed in “deep, dark internet” spaces such as Reddit.
“It seemed to happen kind of after he moved back to the southern part of Utah,” Cox said. “Clearly, there was a lot of gaming going on … the memeification that is happening in our society today.” Ammunition used in the shooting was engraved with anti-fascist taunts and online meme-style slogans, including one casing that read: “Hey, fascist! Catch!”
Cox confirmed that Robinson’s romantic partner, a transgender woman, has been cooperating with authorities. While some political figures have speculated that Kirk’s anti-trans views may have been a factor, investigators have not said whether that was relevant.
Court records show Robinson, who grew up in St. George, Utah, was a high-achieving student. He once attended Utah State University on scholarship but dropped out after one semester, later enrolling in a technical college. Social media posts portray him as part of an active family life, spending time outdoors and travelling, with images of a younger Robinson posing with firearms.
Despite those details, Cox insisted he was not seeking to score political points. “I really don’t have a dog in this fight. If this was a radicalised MAGA person, I’d be saying that as well.”
Robinson has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder and faces formal charges at his first court appearance this week. Meanwhile, tributes to Kirk have poured in, with Turning Point USA planning a memorial at State Farm Stadium in Arizona. His widow, Erika Kirk, pledged to continue her late husband’s work, declaring: “The movement my husband built will not die.”
“Clearly a leftist ideology,” Cox told NBC’s Meet the Press, citing accounts from Robinson’s family and friends. On CNN’s State of the Union, he added: “That information comes from the people around him, his family members and friends.” The governor said Robinson is “not cooperating” with investigators, but friends have described him as someone who became increasingly immersed in “deep, dark internet” spaces such as Reddit.
“It seemed to happen kind of after he moved back to the southern part of Utah,” Cox said. “Clearly, there was a lot of gaming going on … the memeification that is happening in our society today.” Ammunition used in the shooting was engraved with anti-fascist taunts and online meme-style slogans, including one casing that read: “Hey, fascist! Catch!”
Cox confirmed that Robinson’s romantic partner, a transgender woman, has been cooperating with authorities. While some political figures have speculated that Kirk’s anti-trans views may have been a factor, investigators have not said whether that was relevant.
Court records show Robinson, who grew up in St. George, Utah, was a high-achieving student. He once attended Utah State University on scholarship but dropped out after one semester, later enrolling in a technical college. Social media posts portray him as part of an active family life, spending time outdoors and travelling, with images of a younger Robinson posing with firearms.
Despite those details, Cox insisted he was not seeking to score political points. “I really don’t have a dog in this fight. If this was a radicalised MAGA person, I’d be saying that as well.”
Robinson has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder and faces formal charges at his first court appearance this week. Meanwhile, tributes to Kirk have poured in, with Turning Point USA planning a memorial at State Farm Stadium in Arizona. His widow, Erika Kirk, pledged to continue her late husband’s work, declaring: “The movement my husband built will not die.”
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