In a shocking twist that has sent ripples across Utah and conservative circles nationwide, Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk, reportedly grew up Mormon — yet allegedly fired the fatal shot just moments after Kirk praised the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The shooting occurred Wednesday at Utah Valley University, where Kirk was speaking to a cheering crowd of students during a Turning Point USA event.
Footage from the event shows Kirk interacting with a member of the Mormon faith in the audience, calling him “the guy in the shirt and tie at the front here,” before expressing admiration for the church.
“I love how Mormons send missionaries around the world, I love how polite they are. Half my team is Mormon,” Kirk told the crowd, eliciting loud applause.
He also emphasized his respect for Mormons as an evangelical Christian, stating, “Mormons are great people. Let me just say, I’m an evangelical Christian, but I’m not one of those guys that hates on Mormons.”
Moments later, Kirk was allegedly shot by Robinson. Sources report that Robinson attended the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in St. George, Utah, during his youth,