Evidence indicates that 22-year-old suspect Tyler Robinson (pictured) acted based on left-wing beliefs and personal grievances. Cruz challenged CNN’s stance, questioning, “We don’t have a motive yet? Really?” suggesting Robinson’s actions were clearly targeted. Although Collins tried to specify that authorities hadn’t detailed a direct motive, Cruz interrupted, insisting her statement was incorrect. “You just said law enforcement has not laid out a motive. That is objectively false,” Cruz countered, urging CNN to steer clear of false information.

This fiery discussion followed the release of Robinson’s text messages, which seemingly revealed his motivations. Robinson allegedly told his transgender partner he was fed up with Kirk’s “hatred,” asserting that some animosities “can’t be negotiated out.” Prosecutors have disclosed Robinson’s plans to target Kirk, and Utah Governor Spencer Cox noted Robinson’s strong leftist beliefs. Nevertheless, Collins maintained her stance, emphasizing that law enforcement hadn’t specified a motive, pointing out the distinction between legal arguments and broader evidence.

Undeterred, Cruz reiterated his point: “They’ve said that he was a left-wing activist who hated Charlie Kirk,” insisting Collins’ comments were incorrect. While Collins remained composed, she expressed frustration, clarifying that the facts presented didn’t claim a definitive motive. “You know that there’s a difference in what they’re putting in a legal argument than what you’re talking about,” she stated.

Collins attempted to shift the dialogue towards the larger issue of political violence. When Cruz was asked if right-wing groups warranted similar scrutiny, he conceded but quickly returned to criticizing the left, stating, “You look at Bluesky and it is a cesspool of leftists celebrating the murder of Charlie Kirk.” Collins countered, asserting, “Senator, I don’t think that anyone should celebrate someone’s murder regardless of what that person believes in.”

Tyler Robinson, 22, faces charges for the fatal shooting of Kirk, 31, during an event at Utah Valley University on September 10. According to authorities, Robinson fired a single shot from a rooftop, hitting Kirk in the neck. He was subsequently arrested without resistance.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino (pictured) revealed this week that the suspect had grown ‘more political and withdrawn’ in the months leading up to the attack. ‘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.’

FBI Director Kash Patel echoed those remarks in an interview with Fox News. ‘There was a text message exchange where he, the suspect, specifically stated that he had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk, and he was going to do that.’ When asked about motive, Patel cited Robinson’s own words, ‘Some hatred cannot be negotiated with.’

Prosecutors have not officially filed a motive in court, citing the need for a trial. The suspect allegedly told his parents that “there is too much evil and the guy spreads too much hate”, in a reference to Kirk, according to the indictment. Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray declined to answer when asked if Kirk had been targeted for his transgender views. “That is for a jury to decide,” he said.