After the shooting of Charlie Kirk on September 10 at Utah Valley University, Tyler Robinson's mother recognized her son in the photos released by law enforcement. She immediately contacted her 22-year-old son, who is the oldest of three boys, but he claimed he was home sick for the second consecutive day. Concerned, she reached out to her husband, who also believed the shooter resembled their son.

According to charging documents, the father suspected that the rifle used in the shooting matched one given to Tyler as a gift. When he asked Tyler for a photo of the rifle, he received no response. The father then called Tyler, who suggested he was contemplating suicide.

Robinson's parents managed to persuade him to come to their home in Washington, Utah, which is about 400 kilometers from Orem, where the shooting occurred. During their conversation, Tyler implied he was the shooter and expressed a desire to avoid jail, stating he just wanted to end his life.

When asked about his motives, Tyler told his parents that he believed there was "too much evil" and that Charlie Kirk "spreads too much" of it. His parents encouraged him to speak with a family friend, a former deputy sheriff, who helped convince him to turn himself in to the authorities.

Robinson's mother informed police that her son's political views had shifted significantly over the past year, becoming more liberal and supportive of LGBTQ+ rights. She noted that he had developed a romantic relationship with his roommate, who is a transgender male. These changes in beliefs led to discussions and disagreements within the family, particularly with his father.

In a conversation prior to the shooting, Tyler criticized Kirk's upcoming event at UVU, calling it a "stupid venue" and accusing Kirk of spreading hate.