Mom of Charlie Kirk’s Alleged Assassin Describes Son’s Radical Shift Toward Far-Left Ideology
The mother of Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old charged with assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk, told investigators her son had undergone a “dramatic” transformation in the year leading up to the fatal shooting. Once a promising scholarship student, Robinson had grown increasingly political, aligning himself with far-left causes, especially pro-gay and transgender rights, according to newly released court documents.
The remarks came as part of a broader investigation into Kirk’s murder, which prosecutors say was motivated by political hatred. Robinson is charged with aggravated murder, multiple obstruction and tampering offenses, and committing a violent crime in the presence of a child. Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty.
Robinson’s mother described to police how her son became hostile toward conservative views and engaged in frequent ideological clashes with his father. She also said Robinson dismissed Kirk’s Utah Valley University event as “stupid” and accused Kirk of spreading “too much hate.” His father ultimately confronted him after both parents recognized their son in surveillance footage released after the shooting. Robinson then admitted involvement and was persuaded to surrender.
“When asked why he did it, Robinson explained there is too much evil and the guy [Charlie Kirk] spreads too much hate,” court filings say.
Prosecutors assert that Robinson planned the attack for over a week, expressing his motive in a series of disturbing text messages sent to his romantic partner—a biological male undergoing gender transition who is now cooperating with law enforcement. The texts detailed his plan, efforts to hide the rifle and clothing, and instructions to delete messages and remain silent if questioned by police.
Authorities recovered the Mauser .30-06 bolt-action rifle, wrapped in a towel, in nearby woods.
Kirk, 31, was gunned down from a rooftop while engaging in debate with students at UVU. He was rushed to the hospital but later died. The murder shocked the nation and prompted tributes from leaders across the political spectrum.
Once viewed as a model student, Robinson graduated from Pine View High School in 2021, briefly attended Utah State University as a pre-engineering major, and later enrolled at Dixie Technical College in an electrical apprenticeship program. Social media photos show a smiling Robinson with family during vacations, at his graduation, and outside his USU dorm room.
Yet, according to his mother and law enforcement, his demeanor changed after entering a relationship with his transgender roommate, and he became radicalized in far-left ideology. Prosecutors allege he deliberately targeted Kirk for his political views.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino told Fox News that Robinson’s ideology was a central focus of the investigation. “It appears from the data we’ve accumulated that this ideology had infected him and had taken over,” Bongino said. “He was intent on making Charlie his target and people may have known in advance.”
What remains uncertain is how Robinson’s ideological beliefs became so extreme — and whether others may have played a role in encouraging the act. The investigation is ongoing.