Charlie Kirk's Assassin in U.S., Top 1% in College Entrance Exam... "Recently Became More Politically Radical"

Robinson, 22, Arrested at Home the Previous Day
Dropped Out After One Semester at State University
Anti-Fascist Phrases Found on Ammunition
Authorities Still Investigating Specific Motive

As the suspect in the fatal shooting of prominent right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, who contributed to President Donald Trump's election victory, has been apprehended, various analyses are emerging regarding his motive.

Tyler Robinson (22), arrested as a suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Spencer Cox, the Republican governor of Utah, revealed at a press conference on the 12th (local time) that "the family of Charlie Kirk assassination suspect Tyler Robinson (22) stated that he had become increasingly political in recent years and had been especially harsh in his criticism of Kirk."

Investigators reported that Robinson harbored deep contempt for Kirk, but the specific motive for the crime has not yet been determined.

CNN, citing public records and social media posts, reported that Robinson enrolled at Utah State University on a scholarship but dropped out after just one semester. In a video posted by Robinson's mother on Facebook, she shared that his college entrance exam score was 34 out of 36, placing him in the top 1%.

However, the assassination took place not at Utah State University but at Utah Valley University. According to Governor Cox, Robinson's family told investigators that during a family dinner, they discussed an event at Utah Valley University hosted by Kirk's organization.

It was also revealed that shell casings and unfired ammunition found near the scene bore the inscription "Hey, fascist! Try to catch me!" along with what appeared to be a quote from an Italian anti-fascist song.

Robinson was arrested at his home in St. George, in southwestern Utah near Zion National Park, at around 10 p.m. the previous day.

Robinson's father recognized his son from the wanted photo and encouraged him to turn himself in. Robinson initially refused, but later changed his mind after being persuaded by a pastor whom his father had asked for help. The Robinson family informed an acquaintance of the situation, and this acquaintance reported to authorities that "Robinson had confessed to or implied committing the crime."

Robinson was arrested on charges of aggravated murder, use of a firearm resulting in serious bodily injury, and obstruction of justice, and is being held at the Utah County Jail.

Robinson is accused of killing Kirk on the Utah Valley University campus on the 10th, during a debate event hosted by Turning Point USA. Kirk was the founder of the right-wing organization Turning Point USA, a prominent "pro-Trump" activist, and known as an "icon of young conservatives."

Vice President J.D. Vance wrote in a tribute posted on X (formerly Twitter) the previous day, "Much of the success we achieved in this administration was due to Charlie Kirk's ability to organize and mobilize. He not only helped secure victory in 2024, but also played a key role in assembling our entire government staff."

President Trump appeared on Fox News that day and said, "I hope the suspect in the Kirk assassination receives the death penalty."