Utah Gov. Spencer Cox appeared on ABC News' "This Week," revealing that Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect in custody for the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, is not cooperating with FBI investigators.
However, Cox noted that those close to Robinson, including his romantic trans partner with whom he lived, are providing information to authorities.
Cox, a Republican, called for national unity, emphasizing that political violence has recently targeted both Democrats and Republicans.
The assassination of Kirk on a Utah college campus has sparked widespread reflection on political violence and the state of civil discourse in America, with leaders and commentators across the political spectrum condemning the shooting.
Reiterating his stance against divisive rhetoric, Cox criticized “conflict entrepreneurs” who exploit social media and polarization to fuel tensions. He referenced a recent phone call with President Donald Trump, first reported by The Atlantic, where Trump expressed anger over Kirk’s death and discussed the risks of being targeted themselves.
Utah Gov. Cox on recent political violence: “I brought up the Democrats who were assassinated recently. And how quickly we move on from these things. But the body count is piling up. I'm so concerned about this radicalization piece." https://t.co/JZ8reMOxFq pic.twitter.com/LEzX0PXGNt
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) September 14, 2025
“I brought up the Democrats who were assassinated recently … the body count is piling up, and I’m so concerned about this radicalization piece,” Cox said. “Right now, we’re in a dark place. Every one of us has to decide: Are we going to hate our neighbor? Are we going to hate the other side? Are we going to return violence with violence?”