Years before his arrest for the alleged murder of political activist Charlie Kirk, Tyler Robinson was recorded on police bodycam footage during an interaction with officers.
The 22-year-old university student is facing a charge of aggravated murder following the death of Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, who was fatally shot in the neck.
Charlie Kirk, a father of two, was attending his ‘American Comeback Tour’ at college campuses and was responding to audience questions at Utah Valley University when he was shot. The incident occurred just after he addressed a question about gun violence, and the violent footage quickly spread across the internet.
Tyler Robinson was apprehended after a 33-hour manhunt and has since appeared in court, wearing a vest seemingly designed to prevent self-harm.
Recently, Scripps News revealed archival footage of Robinson conversing with police officers.
The footage, dating back to 2022, shows the student describing to authorities how his Audi collided with another vehicle at an intersection.
He is heard telling officers: “(The other driver) would’ve been there going left, and as I was coming through, he turned in, and I T-boned into the side of him.”
“Just as I left the house, I put oil in it. Just topped it off.”
Robinson, who was 19 at the time, was with his younger brother during the incident.
He informed police that their mother was on her way to provide insurance information, which she did, giving the necessary details to the officers.
The crash involved Robinson’s Audi and a Ford sedan, but no injuries resulted and no citations were issued. Throughout the video, Robinson appeared calm, polite, and apologetic.
Commenters were quick to share their thoughts about Robinson: “This boy was strange wasn’t he? His odd behavior here makes me wonder what type of parents he had, because he seems emotionless. Maybe he was a bit shocked due to the accident,” speculated one.
“As a mother, I just cannot imagine what his mother is going through. What a waste of life. The entire thing is tragic and awful. Rest in peace Charlie,” commented another.
“I am praying for him, he is just 22 years old, I’m hoping for life in prison,” wrote one viewer.
There was also discussion surrounding his word choice in the video. Some questioned why he used ‘car’ instead of ‘vehicle,’ especially considering messages he allegedly sent his roommate about a rifle found, stating “I’m wishing I had circled back and grabbed it as soon as I got back to my vehicle.”
“He is saying car not vehicle!” noted one, while another conspiracy theorist claimed, “It just proves that the text messages released by the police are fabricated.”
At his initial hearing, Robinson was informed that he would remain in custody without bail until his next court date on September 29.