Utah's governor Spencer Cox has spoken out about Tyler Robinson, the accused killer of Charlie Kirk, issuing an update on the 22-year-old who remains in custody.
The student was arrested 33 hours after political activist Kirk was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. Kirk had just answered a question about gun violence when onlookers were horrified to see him be shot once in the neck.
Robinson had allegedly been communicating with others on Discord about his plans, with Governor Cox telling the press: “All we can confirm is that those conversations definitely were happening, and they did not believe it was actually him."
He added: "It was all joking until he admitted that it actually was him."
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Following a manhunt, Robinson was taken into custody, and authorities have given an update about the suspected gunman.
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Robinson was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and obstruction of justice.
Cox also claimed that Robinson is 'not cooperating' with their investigations.
He told ABC News: "He has not confessed to authorities. He is not cooperating, but all the people around him are cooperating. And I think that's very important."
He also confirmed reports that Robinson's partner is transgender, but insisted they are being 'very co-operative' with police and had 'no idea this was happening'.
The governor told the Wall Street Journal that the suspected shooter had been 'deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology'.
Robinson's mental health is also being assessed, and authorities said he is being kept under 'special watch' in the Utah County Sheriff's Department special housing unit.
They added that officials are keeping 'a close eye on him' as investigations continue.
The sheriff said: "He will continue to be monitored by mental, medical, and custody staff throughout the duration of his stay."
Elsewhere, Arizona politician Kari Lake made accusations of 'brainwashing' at college for students like Robinson.
Speaking at a vigil held for Kirk, Lake said: “I’m not going to say our side is perfect, but damn it this is coming from the other side."
Lake added: "We sent our kids off to college and they brainwashed them. I am making a plea to mothers out there, do not send your children into these indoctrination camps.”
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard also spoke at the vigil, and likened the killing of Kirk to 9/11: “They were both carried out by those who hold onto ideologies that cannot stand up to scrutiny and challenge so they feel that their only recourse is to commit an act of violence to silence those who oppose them and to intimidate and terrorise them into silence.”
“This is the definition of terrorism," she added.
Topics: US News, Charlie Kirk, Crime, Police, Politics
Jen Thomas