Tyler Robinson, 22, has been confirmed as the suspect in Charlie Kirk's assassination at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. However, the shooting sparked widespread misinformation across social media platforms, with AI-generated content and false identifications creating chaos online while disturbing new evidence emerges about the planning.
Multiple suspects were incorrectly named in the hours following Kirk's death. Michael Mallinson, a 77-year-old Toronto resident, told the CBC he had never heard of Kirk before being falsely identified as a potential suspect due to his physical resemblance to another person, George Zinn.
X's in-app chatbot Grok shared conflicting answers about the shooting, while AI-generated images led to further misidentifications of apparent suspects.
False political claims spread rapidly
Claims circulated online that Robinson was both a registered Republican and a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. His voter status was actually inactive, and he did not participate in two recent general elections.
A photo showing someone resembling Robinson wearing a Salt Lake City DSA shirt with "bee the change" was cited as evidence of socialist ties. Robinson's parents are registered Republicans living in a $600,000 home in Washington, Utah, highlighting the complex family political dynamics surrounding the case.
Incriminating evidence reveals premeditation
Only the Daily Mail reports that Robinson left a handwritten note stating "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I'm going to take it." The suspect also allegedly ordered his roommate to delete incriminating text messages before the shooting.
Robinson was captured 33 hours after the shooting when his father recognised him from FBI surveillance footage. Contrary to online claims, the parent did not turn his son in directly to authorities.
Father encouraged surrender amid family cooperation
Instead, CNN reported that Robinson's father encouraged him to surrender himself, eventually convincing him to speak to a local youth pastor. This pastor worked with the Washington County Sheriff's Office, and a family friend contacted authorities with the tip.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed that Robinson lived with transgender roommate Lance Twiggs. Cox told NBC News the roommate had been "incredibly cooperative" throughout the investigation and had "no idea that this was happening."
FBI probes Discord conspiracy planning
The FBI is investigating a Discord chat group involving more than 20 users allegedly connected to assassination planning. Social media posts appeared to predict Kirk's death on September 10 weeks in advance.
Screenshots allegedly showing the roommate celebrating Kirk's death circulated online, though there is no evidence these posts are genuine or connected to the roommate.
Robinson remains under extreme security measures including constant surveillance and anti-suicide protocols at Utah County Jail.
Sources used: "The Standard", "Daily Mail", "CBC", "CNN", "NBC News"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
