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Two comments I’ve received on Vox Political’s coverage of Charlie Kirk’s killing give a flavour of the mood online right now.

One says:

“What is coming out now in the expanded investigation of Tyler Robinson’s murderous act on Charlie Kirk is indicating that what this blogger is saying in this video about Robinson not being a diehard leftist is baloney!”

Another insists:

“Well, it’s all verified now. The fact that a left wing shooter has to KILL A FATHER, HUSBAND, AMD SON IS BEYOND INSANE.”

Both claim it is already settled fact that the 22-year-old suspect, Tyler Robinson, was a left-wing extremist who killed Kirk for political reasons.

But that is not what the evidence shows — not yet.

What prosecutors actually said

At a press conference in Utah this week, county attorney Jeffrey Gray unveiled what he called “a trove of evidence” against Robinson. He cited:

• A hidden note Robinson allegedly left under his roommate’s keyboard saying he planned to “take out Charlie Kirk”.

• Text messages in which he allegedly admitted the shooting to the same roommate, describing it as retaliation against Kirk’s “hatred”.

• Alleged remarks to his parents hinting at involvement.

• DNA allegedly found on the trigger of the rifle believed to have been used.

Prosecutors also described Robinson as having become more political in recent years, with stronger support for gay and transgender rights, and pointed to his relationship with a transgender partner.

That is what commentators online are seizing upon as “proof” that Robinson was left-wing.

But here’s the problem:

None of this has yet been tested in court. Robinson has not entered a plea. His defence team has not had a chance to challenge the alleged note, text messages, or DNA.

More importantly, prosecutors themselves declined to say whether Kirk was targeted because of his views on transgender issues — stressing that this was “for a jury to decide”.

In other words: the political motive remains alleged, not proven.

What counts as “left-wing” in Utah?

There’s also a bigger cultural question: even if Robinson did support LGBTQ+ rights and oppose Kirk’s brand of conservatism, does that automatically make him “left-wing”?

In Utah — one of the most conservative states in the United States — simply expressing support for gay or trans rights can be seen as a radical political stance. But in most democracies, that wouldn’t necessarily count as “diehard leftism”.

It’s worth asking: is the “left-wing shooter” narrative about Robinson based on his actual politics, or on the perception of what “left” means in a deeply conservative environment?

So far, what we have are allegations, not verified facts.

Prosecutors are making their case to the media as much as to the courts.

That doesn’t mean Robinson is innocent — but it does mean we should be wary of people online insisting the matter is already proven and that political labels can be applied without question.

Until a jury hears the evidence, the most accurate description is still: Tyler Robinson is accused of murdering Charlie Kirk. The motive remains disputed.

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