Another student, unable to sleep or forget the scene, called her father to bring her home for support.

While investigators spent the weekend focusing on suspect Tyler James Robinson ahead of his initial court appearance on Tuesday, students who witnessed Wednesday’s shooting at Utah Valley University dealt with trauma, grief, and the shadow the event left over their community.

A neighbour of Robinson’s looks for answers

In Robinson’s hometown, neighbor Kris Schwiermann described him as a reserved, studious, and “very respectful” individual who enjoyed reading. Schwiermann, 66, served as the head custodian at the elementary school that Robinson and his siblings attended.

She said she was stunned by the news of his arrest, describing the Robinsons as a “very tight-knit family”.

Like the Robinsons, Schwiermann is affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She mentioned they were part of the same congregation, although the family hadn’t been active in the church for at least eight years.

“I want to make sure that people know that we don’t have any ill feelings towards their family or him,” Schwiermann said.

“He made the wrong choice.”