The federal investigation into the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has so far found no evidence linking the alleged shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, to any organized left-wing groups. This is despite repeated assertions by President Donald Trump and his aides that such organizations were fueling the anger that led to Kirk’s killing.
One official familiar with the investigation emphasized that all signs point toward a lone actor. “Every indication so far is that this was one guy who did one really bad thing because he found Kirk’s ideology personally offensive,” the source said.
Two people close to the probe noted difficulties in bringing federal charges, while another suggested prosecutors may still pursue some form of federal case. Since Robinson did not cross state lines and Kirk was not a federal employee or elected official, investigators have limited grounds for pursuing federal crimes. For now, Robinson currently faces state charges, including aggravated murder and obstruction of justice, with Utah prosecutors seeking the death penalty.
According to Utah officials, Robinson specifically targeted Kirk during the September 10 debate at Utah Valley University over his “political expression.” His mother later told authorities that in recent months her son had become more politically engaged and leaned toward left-leaning views.
Experts say the assassination may technically meet the legal definition of domestic terrorism, but the United States lacks a law that makes such acts a stand-alone federal crime. Thomas Brzozowski, formerly the Justice Department’s domestic terrorism counsel, explained that prosecutors often end up relying on state-level charges, with federal sentencing enhancements applied only after conviction.
The FBI, which often steps in to assist local authorities in these types of domestic terrorism cases, faces similar challenges. “The FBI needs a federal hook to initiate an investigation,” Brzozowski said. “Here, it looks like they are simply supporting state authorities.”
Court records describe a series of texts between Robinson and a roommate, who was reportedly in a romantic relationship with him and in the process of transitioning. In one message, Robinson directed the roommate to a hidden note stating: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.” When the roommate responded in shock, Robinson allegedly detailed how he had been planning the attack for more than a week. Asked why he did it, he wrote, “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
Kirk’s death has unleashed a wave of grief and fury among conservatives. Trump allies have seized on the tragedy to push for tougher crackdowns on left-wing groups. White House adviser Stephen Miller declared that progressive organizations constituted a “vast domestic terror movement” and vowed to dismantle them in Kirk’s name.
Still, legal observers note that the administration’s effort is likely to face hurdles, since federal law offers few clear paths for labeling such groups as terrorist networks. Scott Walter of the Capital Research Center argued that states and local governments have more effective tools at their disposal than Washington.
While political attention focuses on left-wing threats, data shows a different trend. Since 2002, right-wing ideologies have been linked to more than 70 percent of domestic extremist incidents nationwide. A Justice Department study also found far-right violence continues to outpace all other forms of extremism. That report, however, was recently removed from the DOJ website according to 404 Media.
Kirk’s funeral is set for Sunday in Arizona. Security concerns have grown after a bulletin from multiple agencies, including the FBI and Secret Service, confirmed that they were monitoring vague threats against potential attendees. Officials stressed they have not uncovered concrete evidence of danger, but remain vigilant as mourners prepare to gather in Kirk’s memory.
