In SALT LAKE CITY (KTVX), Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old accused of killing the conservative political activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, is currently held in a special housing unit at the Utah County Jail as he awaits formal charges, according to the Utah County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office shared that Robinson will stay in this specialized unit until “cleared by our medical staff,” per a statement by Sgt. Ray Ormond. This special unit is designed with increased supervision and involves a specific watch protocol.
After receiving medical clearance, Robinson is expected to be “placed in the appropriate housing for the charges he has been booked in on.”
Sgt. Ormond explained, “This measure is taken for several reasons, including the nature of the crimes booked, behavioral problems, violent actions, and any suicidal remarks made during the arrest. After our team completes their evaluation, Robinson will be transferred to the suitable housing unit.”
Robinson was taken into custody in Washington County, Utah, charged with aggravated murder—a first-degree felony; felony discharge of a firearm leading to serious bodily harm—also a first-degree felony; and obstruction of justice—due to capital or first-degree felony behavior, a second-degree felony.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox said Sunday that Robinson was not cooperating with law enforcement, disliked Kirk, and may have been “radicalized” online.
“He was clearly influenced by leftist views,” Governor Cox said during an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” referencing discussions with Robinson’s acquaintances and family. “Friends verified his involvement in the deep, obscure parts of the internet, such as the Reddit community and other dark web forums.”
Evidence included engravings found on the ammunition used in Kirk’s death, with language rooted in anti-fascist and meme culture. Court documents indicated that one bullet casing bore the phrase, “Hey, fascist! Catch!”
A Republican who has called on all partisans to tone down their rhetoric following the attack, the governor added: “I really don’t have a dog in this fight. If this was a radicalized MAGA person, I’d be saying that as well.”
Cox stressed on several Sunday morning news shows, however, that investigators are still trying to pin down a motive for the attack on Kirk, a father of two and Trump confidant. The governor said more information may come out once Robinson appears in court Tuesday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
