On Thursday, officials in Washington County, Utah, arrested 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson of Hurricane, Utah. This arrest was prompted by a call to authorities from an alarmed family friend. The arrest comes against a backdrop of rising concern for Robinson’s online activity, which has included incitement to violence and calls to join an anti-fascist crusade.
As can be seen here, Robinson is a third-year electrical apprenticeship student at Dixie Technical College. He has deep roots in the district, as his entire family still resides there. His parents are active voters registered as Republicans, having participated in the 2024 election that secured Donald Trump a second term. Robinson registered to vote in July 2021, intentionally declosing himself from his family’s political lineage. Post-general voting record indicated he later became inactive.
Robinson is the oldest of three sons in the Robinson family. Even their latest family trip to Mexico in 2023 revealed relatable family moments. The political appointment of an ostensibly unflappable genius has given rise to a deep anxiety about his behavior and mental state.
Kristin Schwiermann—an almost neighbor of the Robinsons—in her first impression of Tyler Academy’s soon-to-be star, remembered him as smart saying, “He seemed really intelligent. Until recently, this perception had been completely overshadowed by the shocking allegations that have come to light about his cyberbullying campaign online.
Investigators are looking into messages sent by Robinson that his roommate publicly revealed. The posters included incendiary language such as “F— You fascist! They cited “Bella ciao,” the Italian song of the anti-fascist resistance. The second text read, “When you read this you’re gay LMAO.”
“If you read this, you are gay, LMAO.” – Cox
Law enforcement discovered unfired gun casings at the scene of Kirk’s murder. These casings featured engravings associated with the anti-fascist movement. Forensic experts narrowed down the weapon used in the crime to a Mauser model 98 rifle. It’s chambered in .30-06 caliber and has a scoped mount.
After hearing that Robinson was arrested, bells went off in the local community. Law enforcement is now working to figure out what these messages meant. Their goal is to understand whether they uncover a more insidious ideological intent behind his actions or indicate an entirely different mental state.
While the investigation remains underway, officials have been sifting through digital evidence and witness testimony to determine just how far Robinson intended to go. With each new revelation, residents of Washington County are in shock. They are left grappling with how a person they thought they knew could engage in such predatory behavior.