In a startling revelation, police bodycam footage has been released showing Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of assassinating conservative figure Charlie Kirk, during a mundane traffic incident three years prior to the tragic event. The calm demeanor and everyday outfit of Robinson during the 2022 car crash have become a focal point, as they closely resemble what he wore on the day of the murder.
Obtained by Scripps News, the nearly eight-minute video documents a collision between Robinson's silver Audi and a Ford sedan in St. George, Utah. At the time, Robinson was only 19 and can be seen wearing sunglasses and a hat, an appearance that would later become significant. "As I was coming through, he turned in, and I T-boned into the side of him," Robinson explained to a police officer. Both he and his brother, who was in the passenger seat, walked away uninjured, as did the other driver.
The footage captures the aftermath of the accident, with Robinson's Audi leaking oil and the hood visibly damaged. Engaging in light-hearted conversation with the responding officer, Robinson joked about the timing of the crash, having just topped off the oil. His mother arrived shortly with insurance documentation, and no citations were issued, as reported by the New York Post.
Fast forward to September 10, where during a rally at Utah Valley University, Robinson is accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA. Prosecutors allege that Robinson, blending into the crowd under a pop-up tent, raised a hunting rifle and fired the shot that ended Kirk's life.
The assassination prompted a national manhunt, with the FBI releasing images of a suspect in dark clothing, sunglasses, and a hat. The resemblance to Robinson was striking. A mere 33 hours later, authorities apprehended him, thanks to a tip from his own father.
Robinson's prosecution paints him as a young man radicalized by leftist ideology, with a digital trail of violent rhetoric and extremist politics. Text messages he supposedly sent to his transgender partner indicate that he had been planning the attack for over a week. Charged with aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and other offenses, Robinson could face the death penalty under Utah law.
Former President Trump publicly called for the maximum punishment, labeling the act as "an attack on America itself" and expressing his close ties with the late Kirk. The parallels between Robinson's attire in the 2022 bodycam footage and the day of the assassination have sparked outrage and discussions about the potential warning signs of his violent intentions.
The assassination of Charlie Kirk has left an indelible mark on conservative circles, with many arguing that it was a consequence of years of inflammatory rhetoric from the left. The bodycam footage adds a haunting layer to the story, suggesting a chilling prelude to the violence that shocked the nation.
