The father of Tyler Robinson, the man shot dead by police after opening fire on prominent American conservative commentator Charlie Kirk in London, has spoken out for the first time in an emotionally charged exclusive interview.
In a heartbreaking account, he detailed his son's devastating descent into online radicalisation, which he believes ultimately led to the violent confrontation in the heart of the capital.
A Father's Anguish
"I lost my boy long before the police pulled that trigger," the grieving father stated, his voice heavy with emotion. "The son I knew was replaced by someone consumed by digital hatred. It was a gradual process—a poison drip-fed through extremist online forums and conspiracy theories."
He described watching helplessly as his son became increasingly withdrawn and radicalised during lockdown, spending hours immersed in dark corners of the internet.
The London Attack
The incident occurred outside a central London venue where Mr Kirk was scheduled to speak. Armed officers responded to reports of a firearm being discharged and confronted the 29-year-old assailant.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as shots rang out in the busy metropolitan area. The Metropolitan Police confirmed they discharged their weapons during the incident, with Robinson pronounced dead at the scene.
Online Radicalisation Warning
Robinson's father issued a stark warning about the dangers of online echo chambers: "These platforms aren't just websites—they're grooming grounds. They identify vulnerable young men and systematically radicalise them. My son became a casualty of this digital warfare."
He called for greater awareness and intervention programs to identify and help those at risk of radicalisation before tragedies occur.
Investigation Ongoing
The Independent Office for Police Conduct has launched an investigation into the shooting, standard procedure when police firearms are discharged. Security around visiting foreign political figures has also come under review following the attack.
Charlie Kirk's organisation, Turning Point USA, has acknowledged the incident but declined to comment further while investigations continue.
