• Tyler Robinson, the accused assassin of Charlie Kirk, was raised Mormon and Republican, yet registered to vote “unaffiliated.”
• Kirk was praising Mormons at Utah Valley University minutes before being fatally shot, according to video of the event.
• Family ties to the LDS church reportedly played a role in Robinson’s arrest, as his father turned him in after recognizing him in FBI photos.

OREM, Utah (TDR) — The man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk was raised in a Republican, Mormon household but had registered as politically unaffiliated. Neighbors, family, and church acquaintances describe 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as intelligent, polite, and outwardly unremarkable — making the fatal shooting at Utah Valley University all the more shocking.

A Deadly Attack During a Speech

Video from Kirk’s appearance at UVU shows him speaking warmly about members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Addressing a crowd of roughly 3,000, Kirk said, “I love how Mormons send missionaries around the world. I love how polite they are. Half my team is Mormon.”

Kirk, the Turning Point USA founder, went further, adding: “Mormons are great people. Let me just say, I’m an evangelical Christian, but I’m not one of those guys that hates on Mormons.” Moments later, a shot rang out from a nearby rooftop, striking him in the neck and ending his life.

Community Shock

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10

In Robinson’s hometown of St. George, neighbors expressed disbelief. Kristin Schwierman, who knew him from church, described him as “very nice” and “smart,” telling the New York Post she was “shocked that this was even him.”

The LDS church swiftly condemned the killing. “We condemn violence and lawless behavior,” spokesman Doug Anderson said. “For members of the Church, we reaffirm the Savior’s teaching and admonition is to love our neighbor.”

Family Role in the Arrest

According to reports, Robinson’s father recognized him in FBI surveillance images released to the public. When confronted, the younger Robinson allegedly said he’d rather die than face arrest. The father then reached out to a youth pastor who also serves as a U.S. Marshals Service task force officer. That contact ultimately persuaded Robinson to surrender to authorities.

Robinson’s grandmother, Debbie Robinson, 69, said she was stunned, noting her family’s deep Republican roots. “My son, his dad, is a Republican for Trump,” she told the Daily Mail. “Most of my family members are Republican. I don’t know any single one who’s a Democrat. I’m so confused.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE THE DUPREE REPORT

Despite those roots, Robinson himself registered to vote as “unaffiliated,” signaling distance from partisan politics.

Evidence of Hatred

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Robinson openly expressed disdain for Kirk’s viewpoints. “He spoke at length about how he didn’t like Kirk and the viewpoints he had,” Cox explained. A family friend also recalled Robinson venting that “Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate.”

Investigators later recovered a rifle and ammunition from a wooded area near UVU. Casings were inscribed with slogans tied to anti-fascist ideology. One read, “Hey fascist! Catch!” Another bore the words of the Italian protest song “Bella Ciao.” A third mockingly stated: “If you read this, you are gay LMAO.”

A Polarizing Tragedy

The contrast between Robinson’s upbringing and his alleged actions has fueled fierce debate. Raised in a devout Mormon, staunchly Republican family, Robinson’s shift away from formal politics and descent into violent extremism has baffled relatives and shaken Utah’s conservative community.

For many, the tragedy underscores the unpredictable intersections of ideology, personal disillusionment, and political violence.

Did Tyler Robinson’s rejection of his upbringing drive him to hatred — or was Charlie Kirk targeted because he symbolized the values Robinson could no longer reconcile?

Follow The Wayne Dupree Show on YouTube

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10