Angenette Levy Investigates the Assassination of Charlie Kirk and Suspect Tyler Robinson's Radicalization
Enjoying this? Share it with someone who needs to see it.
Up Next
Arrest Made in Charlie Kirk Assassination Case: Tyler Robinson Turned In by Family After Utah Valley University Shooting
21:53
Andrew Kolvet and Blake Neff Break Down the Tyler Robinson Preliminary Hearing and Defense Tactics
15:28
Michael Knowles Reacts to the Tyler Robinson Press Conference and Media Response to Kirk's Death
1:26:30
Angenette Levy Investigates the Assassination of Charlie Kirk and Suspect Tyler Robinson's Radicalization
Angenette Levy examines the shocking assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University and the 22-year-old suspect Tyler Robinson now on suicide watch. The FBI director reveals DNA evidence linking Robinson to the crime, while investigators uncover details about the suspect's relationship with a transgender partner and his alleged left-wing radicalization. Kirk's widow, Erika, breaks her silence with a powerful vow that her husband's mission will not die. As authorities piece together digital evidence, Discord messages, and a destroyed note revealing premeditation, questions emerge about how a straight-A student with a full scholarship became an alleged political assassin.
Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old man, is on suicide watch at the Utah County Jail and facing formal charges of aggravated murder related to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The shooting occurred less than a week ago at Utah Valley University in Orem, where Kirk was sitting under a tent answering a question from a student about mass shootings committed by transgender people when an assassin's bullet struck him in the neck. Kirk bled out almost immediately as the crowd ran in terror and his staff tried desperately to save his life.
Local and federal authorities launched a manhunt for the shooter, combing through video surveillance. They identified a man in a black shirt, hat, and jeans as the suspect. Tyler Robinson's father recognized him in the footage and called a family friend who was both a U.S. marshal and a minister. Tyler's father confronted him, and according to reports, Tyler said he'd rather take his own life than be arrested. Tyler's father turned him into Washington County authorities three hours south of where the murder took place. The 33-hour manhunt ended without incident.
Evidence Linking Robinson to the Crime
FBI Director Kash Patel appeared on Fox and Friends to discuss evidence collected that he says links Robinson to the crime. Patel walked the entire crime scene, including the path the suspect took, around 5:00 p.m. local time on September 11th. DNA evidence was collected, including a screwdriver found on the rooftop.
Patel reported that DNA from a towel wrapped around the firearm and DNA on the screwdriver positively match the suspect in custody. The weapon was wrapped in a towel and ditched in a wooded area across the street from where the shooting took place. The ATF is processing the firearm, and investigators are building a case with physical evidence including video surveillance showing the suspect walking around the scene.
The Suspect's Background and Relationship
Tyler Robinson's background presents a puzzling picture of radicalization. He was an 18-year-old straight-A student with a 34 on the ACT who received a full-ride scholarship to Utah State University. However, he took a leave of absence in the fall of 2021 after just one semester and never returned. The school cannot provide details about why he left due to FERPA privacy laws. He was attending technical college at the time of the shooting.
Governor Spencer Cox of Utah confirmed that Tyler was in a romantic relationship with his roommate, a man who is transitioning from male to female. The roommate has been interviewed by the FBI and is reportedly cooperating with authorities. Tyler's family has told investigators that he subscribed to left-wing ideology, particularly in recent years, and had told family members he didn't like Charlie Kirk because he spread hate.
Digital Evidence and Discord Messages
Tyler Robinson's friends told the New York Times they had joked about how the man in surveillance images looked like him, and Tyler responded that it was his doppelganger trying to get him into trouble. A Discord spokesperson confirmed that Tyler Robinson had a Discord account but stated he did not plan or discuss murdering Charlie Kirk on the platform.
However, Discord confirmed that Tyler's roommate discussed the shooting after the fact on the platform with another user who wasn't Tyler. The roommate revealed that Tyler had left a note discussing retrieving the weapon, the bullets, and the planning of Kirk's murder. Kash Patel discussed this note, summarizing that the suspect wrote he had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and was going to take it. The note was written before the shooting and was found in the location of the suspect and his partner's home. Although the note has been destroyed, the FBI has found forensic evidence of it and confirmed its contents through interviews.
Discord issued a statement clarifying that the messages about weapon retrieval and planning details were not Discord messages and likely took place on a phone number-based messaging platform. The company continues to work closely with the FBI and local authorities.
Investigation Details from the Ground
Chris McDaniel, host of The Interview Room and retired homicide detective, has been on the ground in Utah investigating the case. He visited the location where the suspect was positioned, describing it as a straight shot probably 150 to 200 yards at most. The screwdriver found at the scene is significant because if Robinson was using a .306 rifle with a large scope, the screwdriver would be used to adjust that scope for wind and moving targets.
McDaniel observed where the suspect landed in the grass after coming off the building, with a white tent behind the building where investigators appeared to have recovered footprint evidence. The weapon was wrapped in a towel, and the suspect crossed the street to place it in a wooded area before fleeing into the neighborhood.
One ongoing aspect of the investigation is the digital footprint of Robinson's car. The FBI is working through data on the vehicle, which was recovered at his house in St. George. Investigators need to determine whether the car was stationary during the shooting or moving, which could indicate whether other people were involved or aware of what was taking place.
Questions About Radicalization and Accomplices
Governor Cox expressed deep concern about the radicalization aspect of this case. He emphasized the need to understand how someone with a 4.0 GPA, a 34 on the ACT, and a full ride scholarship who didn't even last a semester at his alma mater could end up committing such an act. There are questions about whether Robinson acted alone or if others were aware of his plans.
Some social media posts dated before Charlie Kirk spoke suggested something big was going to happen, though it's unclear if these are related to the shooting. McDaniel noted that from an investigative position, you always have to keep your mind open about the possibility of accomplices or people who were aware but kept quiet, perhaps not believing the suspect would actually follow through.
The investigation is examining Robinson's inner circle, including family relationships, friends, and acquaintances, to understand who influenced him. Investigators are looking into whether he was involved in gaming and what platforms he was active on, as this generation finds much of their social connection in online communities. The digital footprint and behavioral evidence will be critical to understanding his mindset and the full scope of the crime.
Erika Kirk's Powerful Response
As the investigation unfolds and prosecutors prepare to formally charge Tyler Robinson, Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika, spoke for the first time about her husband's murder. She is now left to raise two young children who will only know their father through videos and stories.
Erika delivered a powerful message: "The evildoers responsible for my husband's assassination have no idea what they have done. They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith, and of God's merciful love. But they should all know this. If you thought that my husband's mission was powerful before, you have no idea. You have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country. In this world, you have no idea. You have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife. The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry."
She vowed that the movement her husband built will not die, becoming stronger, bolder, louder, and greater than ever. She pledged to ensure no one will ever forget her husband's name and that his mission will not end, not even for a moment.
Broader Implications for Free Speech
McDaniel raised concerns about what this incident means for free speech and civil discourse in America. He noted that college universities should be places where diverse opinions and objectivity thrive, where people debate those who may agree or disagree with them. The fact that someone was shot while engaged in public debate destroys that fundamental principle.
He drew parallels to other recent incidents of political violence, including the execution-style killing of a businessman in Manhattan, questioning whether we are seeing a pattern of escalating violence against those with different viewpoints. McDaniel referenced historical parallels to pre-World War II messaging and resistance movements, hoping we are not heading in that direction.
The retired detective emphasized that while we can have differences of opinion and agree to disagree, violence is not the answer. At the end of the day, whether someone disagreed with Charlie Kirk or agreed with him, he was still a father, a husband, and a human being. In America, we do not execute people for having different opinions.
Next Steps in the Case
Tyler Robinson remains in the Utah County Jail and is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Tuesday, where he will be formally charged with aggravated murder and other crimes. Law Crime will be covering the court proceedings. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to understand the full scope of Robinson's radicalization, whether he acted alone, and what motivated him to allegedly commit this political assassination.
