Kirk’s Alleged Assassin Story Takes Dark Turn
Parents of Charlie Kirk’s Alleged Assassin Gave Him a ‘Build Your Own Gun’ Set for Christmas
The parents of Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin once gave him a “build your own gun” set for Christmas, raising alarm among those familiar with the family.
Tyler Robinson, 22, confessed to murdering Kirk at Utah Valley University last week. Authorities say he used a Mauser bolt-action rifle to fatally shoot the conservative activist in the neck.
Robinson spent much of his childhood obsessed with firearms. Social media posts from his family trace his fascination from curious child to alleged killer.
One photo shows Robinson as a teenager posing with an M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun. Another shows him holding a scoped rifle. A third shows him with a bazooka on his shoulder.
Posts by his mother, Amber, and his younger brothers show the family frequently visited gun ranges where Robinson honed his shooting skills.
One Christmas in 2017, Robinson’s brother unboxed a “build it yourself” rifle kit, a gift from their parents. Tyler stood nearby, smiling and holding a brand-new iPhone.
At another time, Robinson wore a Halloween costume mocking President Donald Trump, Trending Politics reported.
His younger brother posed next to him with a toy hunting rifle on his back.
Authorities say Robinson fired a single round from about 200 yards away, striking Kirk while he answered questions in front of thousands of onlookers at Utah Valley University.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that authorities recovered the Mauser rifle used in the shooting. He described it as one of America’s most popular hunting firearms.
Law enforcement said Robinson was taken into custody late Thursday night after confessing the murder to his father, a former police officer.
Matthew Robinson reportedly informed the family pastor, who then contacted a U.S. Marshal. This led to the FBI apprehending Tyler Robinson without further incident.
Both President Donald Trump and Utah Governor Spencer Cox have expressed support for the death penalty for Robinson.
Robinson now faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, and obstruction of justice, according to the probable cause affidavit.
Investigators continue to review Robinson’s social media posts and family history to understand the factors leading to the deadly attack.
Observers have noted the contrast between the family’s casual approach to firearms and the tragic outcome of Robinson’s obsession with guns.
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing. They continue to gather evidence from the shooting scene, Robinson’s residence, and digital communications that may shed light on his motives.
"Tyler Robinson loved guns. His mother posted a picture of him posing with an M2 Browning 50 calibre machine gun. Photos of him and his brothers with every type of weapon littered social media. He went to gun shows with his parents and was given a gun kit for Christmas." (smut… pic.twitter.com/BMdGV028wo
— #PitBullForJustice (@Angyl444) September 13, 2025
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