ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP) — The family of the young Utah man accused of shooting Charlie Kirk told authorities he had recently become “more political” and recounted a dinner table conversation where they discussed whether the conservative activist was spreading hate.
Tyler James Robinson, 22, of Washington, Utah, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm, and obstruction of justice, all felonies, according to a probable cause statement filed in court and released Friday. A judge ordered that he be held without bail.
Robinson mentioned Kirk’s upcoming visit to Utah Valley University — located about 3 1/2 hours from the family’s southern Utah home — at a recent dinner, kicking off a conversation about how he didn’t like Kirk’s viewpoints, family told authorities. A full picture of his political leanings was still emerging. Utah state records show he is registered to vote, but that he is not affiliated with a political party and is listed as inactive, meaning he didn’t vote in the two most recent general elections.
His listed address in the probable cause statement is the six-bedroom home of his parents, who own a granite countertop business and are registered to vote as Republicans.
State and federal court records do not show any prior criminal cases involving him. It wasn’t immediately clear whether Robinson had a defense lawyer who could comment on his behalf. Messages seeking comment Friday from family members, includi …