Fact Check: Was Charlie Kirk's shooter Tyler Robinson a registered Republican?

WASHINGTON, DC: Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect in the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk on Wednesday, September 10, was arrested by law enforcement on Friday, September 12.

Following Robinson's arrest, a rumor circulated online claiming the suspect was registered as a Republican voter. But is there any truth to this claim? Let’s break it down.

Claim: Tyler Robinson registered as Republican

The rumor that Charlie Kirk’s shooter, Tyler Robinson, was a registered Republican circulated across social media platforms such as X, Facebook, and Bluesky.

A Facebook post read: "The Charlie Kirk shooter is named Tyler Robinson. Tyler Robinson is a registered Republican. Tyler Robinson donated to MAGA. Tyler Robinson grew up in a gun-loving, conservative home."

"Tyler Robinson loves Trump. Tyler Robison is a straight, cis gendered white man. What are republicans saying now after accusing Dems & suggesting war? We should pray for him”. What’s Donald Trump said? Absolutely nothing," the post added.

Similarly, a Bluesky post claimed that Tyler Robinson was a Republican.

Fact Check: Tyler Robinson was unaffiliated in Utah voter records

The claims made online are false. Tyler Robinson was not registered as a Republican and did not declare a party affiliation when he registered to vote in Utah on July 13, 2021, according to a state voter registration lookup using details from a probable-cause affidavit, Snopes reported.

However, Robinson’s parents were registered as Republicans. Records also show that Robinson had not voted in two regular general elections, according to the fact-checking outlet.

Tyler Robinson confessed to father before arrest

President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the suspect, Tyler Robinson, had been turned in by his father.

Two sources told CNN that Robinson "confessed to his father that he was the shooter."

Robinson’s father informed authorities that he had "secured his son" until police could formally detain him. A law enforcement official said Robinson's father recognized his son from photos released by the FBI.

Robinson’s father told him to "turn himself in" and also contacted a youth pastor for assistance. The pastor then called the US Marshals, who took the suspect into custody.

The development came shortly after President Trump confirmed on ‘Fox & Friends’ that a suspect was in custody.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox revealed in a press conference that Robinson’s family turned him in after his confession.

"On the evening of September 11, a family member of Tyler Robinson reached out to a family friend, who contacted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office with information that Robinson had confessed or implied involvement in the incident," Cox said.

He added that a family member also told authorities Robinson "had become more political recently" and had spoken against Kirk. The Utah Governor thanked Robinson’s family for doing the right thing.

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