Here’s what’s known about Charlie Kirk assassin suspect Tyler Robinson

The full picture is only beginning to emerge of Utah resident Tyler Robinson, who authorities arrested Friday for the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Gov. Spencer Cox said Mr. Robinson had “confessed” to a “family friend” who subsequently told the authorities. A law enforcement official told The Associated Press that his father recognized him from the images and encouraged him to turn himself in. He initially refused but then changed his mind.

Here’s what is known so far about the shooter:

• He was said to have become “more political” in recent years, Mr. Cox said the family said.

• He grew up in Washington, Utah.

• He is 22 years old.

• He was reportedly raised as a Mormon and his family regularly attended the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

• His parents are Amber and Matt, and he has two younger brothers, according to his mother’s Facebook.

• Amber Robinson works for Intermountain Support Coordination Services, a state contractor that helps people with disabilities obtain care.

• Early reports misidentified Matt Robinson as a retired Washington County Sheriff’s deputy, and the sheriff’s office put out a statement refuting those early reports.

• The suspect reportedly grew up hunting and was experienced with firearms.

• His grandmother described him as “squeaky clean” to NBC News

• He had no prior criminal record.

• His family appeared close, according to photos of the sons and family trips posted to the mother’s Facebook, which has since been deleted.

• He attended Utah State University on the school’s Resident Presidential Scholarship, the university’s top award for academic achievement.

• He left USU after one semester in 2021, according to a statement posted to the school’s website.

• At the time of his arrest, he was a third-year student in the electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College, according to the Utah Board of Higher Education. 

• Messages written on the cartridges that were found inside the gun referenced video gaming, LGBTQ and antifa, a left-wing, militant movement whose name is short for anti-fascist.

• Also engraved on the cartridges were arrows that referenced controller moves that unleashed bombs in a video game.

• Another phrase, “Notices bulges OwO what’s this?” is used for trolling online.

• Another engraving said “Bella ciao,” which is an Italian anti-fascism song.