The man accused of the Sept. 10 shooting death of far right activist Charlie Kirk has never visited the Eastern Caribbean Community nation of St. Kitts and Nevis and has had no association with the twin-island federation, officials said Sept. 16.
The administration of Prime Minister Terrance Drew challenged social media and US television reports that Tyler Robinson, 22, in custody for the assassination of Kirk, has never set foot in the country along with other family members, according to records furnished by the government.
The government statement noted that the cabinet wanted “to address reports suggesting that the suspect in the recent tragic incident at Utah State University, or his parents, visited our federation. Our official records show no evidence that neither the individual nor his family entered St Kitts and Nevis.”
American media reports say that the family had made previous trips to Disneyland, Alaska, and to St. Kitts, where he reportedly participated in target shooting, zip lining and fishing, suggestions that officials deny as the tourism-dependent federation moves to distance himself with any links to Robinson whatsoever. The statement appears, however, to have also left the door open to a change of position as local immigration records are still being reviewed.
And sensitive about use of and links to weapons, the government denied reports that Robinson was allowed to use local gun ranges for target shooting saying he would have been ineligible to do so because he does not hold a local permit.
Anxious to protect its image as a safe and responsible destination for visitors, the nation urged persons “to act responsibly in sharing information and to help protect the reputation of our beloved country by ensuring that only verified facts are circulated. Citizens and residents are encouraged to rely on official government sources for reliable updates and information.”
