Tyler Robinson, 22, is awaiting trial for the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on September 10.
Authorities say Robinson’s father, Matt Robinson, turned his son in after a 33-hour manhunt, reportedly following a conversation with a minister. Investigators have also pointed to messages in a group chat where Robinson allegedly confessed to the shooting.
The case has drawn national attention, and now Robinson’s grandmother, Debbie Robinson, has broken her silence.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, she described her grandson as quiet and reserved, insisting politics was never something he discussed with her.
“My son, his dad, is a Republican for Trump. [Tyler] is the shyest person. He has never, ever spoken politics to me at all. Most of my family members are Republican. I don’t know a single one who’s a Democrat. I’m just so confused,” she said.
Matt Robinson runs a family-owned construction business, but Debbie added that she hasn’t spoken to him since Tyler’s arrest.
Despite DNA reportedly linking Robinson to the crime scene, Debbie struggles to believe he could be responsible.
“I don’t think he ever shot a gun, to tell you the truth. He doesn’t hunt, he never liked anything like that, and I know he doesn’t own any guns. There’s just no way he could have been that good of a shot.”
Some reports have suggested that Robinson struggled with mental health issues, but his grandmother rejected that claim as well.
“He’s a wonderful child. There is no way he could have done anything like that. He has never been in trouble in his life. He’s just a very shy, good kid. There’s no way he could be violent—it has to be mistaken identity or something.”
Debbie also admitted she had never even heard of Charlie Kirk before her grandson’s arrest. However, Utah Governor Spencer Cox has suggested the attack may have been politically motivated. Cox claimed Robinson had criticized Kirk’s American Comeback Tour event at UVU and accused the commentator of “spreading hate.”
As the investigation continues, Robinson faces the possibility of the death penalty if convicted.
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