Charlie Kirk shooting suspect Tyler Robinson’s yearbook photos have been revealed, as an ex-classmate claimed he was “one of the most unlikely” people to be accused of killing the political activist. Charges are due to be filed against Robinson, 22, on Tuesday after reportedly confessing to his father. His father then sought the help of a youth pastor, also a family friend, who called the US Marshals.
The suspect was detained while the FBI arrived and then taken into custody. He faces charges of murder, causing bodily injury with a firearm, and obstruction of justice. One of his old classmates has now revealed what Robinson was like in school, saying he was always “kind, genuine, [and] respectful”.
Jaida Funk, 22, went to elementary and middle school with the suspect, and described him as an excellent student, if not a teacher’s pet – always on time, respectful, hardworking, and smart.
She told The Mirror: “Tyler was just always being a kind, genuine, respectable guy. He was the kind of student that any teacher wanted in his class. Respectful to peers, classmates, friends, adults, and authority figures.
“He was always very sharp and very smart and the type of kid that liked school. I wouldn’t say he was popular, but well known.
“And I say he was queit but not quiet in a weird way. Just quiet enough that he kept himself in his inner circle, but he had the confidence to speak to any teacher, any adult, and the popular kids in the hallway.
“He was probably one of the most unlikely of all the kids in the school to carry out what you suspected of carrying out.”
Given the international attention brought to the case, many assumed Robinson would face federal charges – handed down when laws passed by US Congress and signed by the president are breached.
However, murders are rarely charged as federal crimes unless, for example, they involve the assassination of a federal government official or a killing on federal property.
Federal prosecutor Mary McCord explained that killing someone over differing political opinions does not count as a hate crime. There is also no federal charge for domestic terrorism.
Charges will be filed against Robinson on Tuesday, according to a statement from the Utah County Attorney’s Office sent to CBS News. The office is “carefully reviewing all the evidence in this case to determine the appropriate charges to file”.