Journalist David Shuster makes wild claim: Alleged Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson hated Kirk because he wasn’t ‘conservative enough’

In a provocative post on X, journalist David Shuster asserted that Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old arrested for the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, harbored animosity toward Kirk for not being “conservative enough.”

Shuster cited “Utah officials + police interviews with his family” as sources for this claim. However, the post lacks corroborating evidence, and several commenters have pointed out the absence of verifiable sources. Shuster’s reputation as a journalist lends weight to his statements, but his history includes instances where claims made on social media were later debunked.

Otherwise, Shuster is an Emmy Award-winning American television journalist with over three decades of experience in broadcast journalism, who in the past has worked for MSNBC, Fox News, CNN, and Al Jazeera America, among other outlets.

Robinson’s alleged allegiance to Fuentes

The Kirk shooting occurred on September 10, 2025, during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. Robinson allegedly fired from a rooftop, killing Kirk with a Mauser rifle. Investigators discovered bullet casings inscribed with anti-fascist messages such as “Hey fascist, catch!” and “Bella ciao,” as well as internet meme references.

These engravings suggest a possible anti-fascist motive, but the exact reasoning behind Robinson’s actions remains unclear.

Like others online, Shuster asserts that Robinson admired Nick Fuentes, a prominent figure in the alt-right movement. Fuentes leads the “Groyper” movement, which has criticized Kirk for his mainstream conservative positions. The Groypers, often associated with white nationalism and Christian conservatism, have engaged in public disputes with figures like Kirk, accusing them of insufficient conservatism.

While some online users have speculated that Robinson’s attire and internet activity indicate a connection to the Groypers, there is no official confirmation linking him to the group. The lack of verified sources for Shuster’s claim underscores the challenges in reporting on politically charged events. As investigations continue, it is crucial to rely on confirmed information from law enforcement and official statements.