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Charlie Kirk assassination prompts outcry over political violence

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Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at an event he was hosting at Utah Valley University.

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The Unseen Side Effect of Charlie Kirk's Assassination

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The Charlie Kirk Assassination Timeline: Finding, Charging and Prosecuting the Suspect

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Akela Lacy, Natasha Lennard, and Ali Breland on the weaponization of Charlie Kirk’s murder and increasing political violence.

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Authorities are still trying to learn more about what motivated the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at a college in Utah, as authorities aim to bring formal charges this week against the man they arrested in connection with the killing.
READ MORE: Analysis: Why Charlie Kirk's killing could embolden more political violence
Tyler James Robinson, 22, of Washington, Utah, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder and other felony offenses. Prosecutors are drawing up formal charges that could be filed as early as Tuesday, when he will make his first court appearance. Authorities have said the crimes in Kirk's death include aggravated murder, obstruction of justice and felony discharge of a firearm.

Investigators have spoken to Robinson's relatives and carried out a search warrant at his family's home in Washington, about 240 miles (390 kilometers) southwest of Utah Valley University, where the shooting took place.

Here are things to know about the killing:

What do we know about motive?

Authorities have not provided many details about why they think Robinson carried out the attack on Kirk.

"There clearly was a leftist ideology," Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said on NBC's "Meet the Press," noting that family and friends described Robinson's politics as veering left in recent years. They recounted to authorities a dinner table conversation in which he mentioned Kirk's upcoming visit to Utah Valley University.

Cox said Robinson is "not cooperating" and that friends paint a picture of someone radicalized in the dark corners of the internet. Cox stressed on several Sunday morning news shows that investigators are still trying to pin down a motive for the attack on the father of two and confidant of President Donald Trump.

State records show Robinson is registered to vote but is not affiliated with a political party and is listed as inactive, meaning he did not vote in the two most recent general elections. His parents are registered Republicans.

Ammunition found with the weapon used to kill Kirk was engraved with taunting messages.

What do we know about Robinson?

He grew up around St. George, in the southwestern corner of Utah, between Las Vegas and natural landmarks including Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.

Robinson became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known widely as the Mormon church, at a young age, church spokesperson Doug Andersen said.

Robinson has two younger brothers, and his parents have been married for about 25 years, according to social media posts. Online activity by Robinson's mother reflects an active family that took vacations to Disneyland, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Alaska.

Like many in that part of Utah, they frequently spent time outdoors - boating, fishing, riding ATVs, zip-lining and target shooting. A 2017 post shows the family visiting a military facility and posing with assault rifles. A young Robinson is seen smiling as he grips the handles of a .50-caliber heavy machine gun.

A high school honor roll student who scored in the 99th percentile nationally on standardized tests, he was admitted to Utah State University in 2021 on a prestigious academic scholarship, according to a video of him reading his acceptance letter that was posted to a family member's social media account.
WATCH: Authorities detail investigation and arrest of suspect in Charlie Kirk's killing
But he attended for only one semester, according to a university spokesperson. He is currently enrolled as a third-year student in the electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College in St. George.

Robinson's partner is transgender, Cox said. Some politicians have pointed to that as a sign Robinson was targeting Kirk for his anti-transgender views, but authorities have not said whether it is relevant to the investigation. Cox said the partner has been "incredibly cooperative," and "had no idea that this was happening."

What has the fallout from the assassination been?

It prompted calls for greater civility in the country's political discourse, especially on social media. But many people have made comments about Kirk and the shooting that brought consequences. Numerous workers have been fired for their comments on Kirk's death, among them MSNBC political analyst Matthew Dowd.

It's not the first time people have lost jobs over things they say publicly, but the speed of the firings has raised questions about free speech rights.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' education commissioner warned teachers in the state that making "disgusting" statements about Kirk's assassination could draw sanctions, including the suspension or revocation of their teaching licenses.

A conservative internet personality who is embedded with immigration agents in Chicago filmed a video outside Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker's private home in which he urged viewers to "take action" after Kirk's assassination. Pritzker's office said his security has been increased in recent days.

Partisans have been fighting over who's to blame for Kirk's death, but experts on political violence say many of those who commit such crimes seem to act on beliefs that don't map clearly onto partisan lines. They say the broader political environment is more important: The more heated the atmosphere, the more likely it is to lead unstable people to commit acts of violence.

Memorials are held in Washington, Arizona and elsewhere

A vigil at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., was among numerous tributes to Kirk on Sunday. The line of mourners in Washington wrapped around the center.

Kirk also was memorialized at Dream City Church in Phoenix, where he hosted one of his "Freedom Night in America" gatherings. Attendees viewed clips of Kirk discussing his desire to be "remembered for courage for my faith." Angel Barnett, a church pastor, called on the crowd to honor Kirk by carrying on his message.

Flowers, U.S. flags and handwritten messages were left at a makeshift memorial at Utah Valley University's main entrance. The school has said there will be increased security when classes resume Wednesday.

Turning Point USA, Kirk's conservative organization, will hold a memorial for him Sept. 21 at State Farm Stadium outside Phoenix, where the Arizona Cardinals play. Kirk's casket arrived Thursday in his home state aboard Air Force Two, accompanied by Vice President JD Vance.

His widow, Erika Kirk, vowed to continue his campus tour and his radio and podcast shows.

"To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die," she said Friday in a livestreamed video. "It won't. I refuse to let that happen."

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What to know about the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination

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Authorities have not provided many details about why they think Robinson carried out the attack on Kirk.