WASHINGTON, Utah — A heavy police presence was seen at two locations in Washington County on Friday as law enforcement agencies continue the investigation into suspected Utah Valley University shooter Tyler Robinson.
Police tape and vehicles were set up outside what is believed to be Robinson's St. George unit in the Fossil Hills Townhomes.
Rep. Celeste Maloy (R) was in Washington when she heard about the shooting, and was finally able to return to Utah on Friday morning.
"This is my area, where I represent, where I used to be a deputy county attorney, and I just want to say to my friends and neighbors here in Washington County, let’s rise above some of the anger,” Maloy said.
Dixie Technical College in St. George said Robinson is a third-year student in the electrical apprenticeship program, but added no other information.
FOX 13 News spoke with several neighbors in the apartment complex who were shocked to learn that Robinson was arrested for the shooting.
Ollie Holt, a sixth grader who lives in the complex, stated he saw Robinson last week as Holt went door to door trying to find chores he could do for money. "When I knocked on the door, he came out and said, 'I don't have anything for you.'"
Holt went on to describe Robinson acting nervously during the interaction, "He was acting kind of nervous and scared. So I asked him, and he said he didn't have anything for me to do, so then I went to other doors."
When FOX 13 News Reporter Chris Reed asked Holt to clarify how Robinson was acting, Ollie continued, "He was looking back in the house a ton of times."
Another neighbor, Jessie Riley, spoke with FOX 13 News on the phone and stated she hadn't heard the news, though she remembers seeing young people going in and out of the apartment.
At Robinson's family home in Washington, a Dodge Challenger, which may be the vehicle officials said Robinson used to drive to the Orem school, is parked in front. It has yet to be confirmed whether the vehicle is, in fact, the car that was used.
Several unmarked police vehicles are outside the home, but authorities have not been seen going in or out of the house.
Video below shows home of Tyler Robinson in Washington County:
Neighborhood residents around the home on Friday were complimentary of the family.
"I just know them as very good people," said Alanea Shaw. "They are quiet and kind of keep to themselves a lot, but whenever I've needed anything, they've been able to come over and help, very graciously and kindly.
However, a classmate of Robinson's at Dixie Technical College admitted he was shocked when he heard the news.
"It's just been a shock ever since you found out about, since I found out about the incident," shared Carsen Knight. "And then I heard that he's from St. George, and I'm like, man, that's, that's crazy. And then I see a picture of him and I'm like, I know this guy. I've seen him. I'm pretty sure I went to school with him.
"I remember where he sat in comparison to me and seeing him every day. From what I remember, he sat by himself in the back of the class... I don't remember anyone ever sitting next to him.
The Washington County Attorney's Office sent out a message that Robinson is not related to a local law enforcement official, as had been shared on multiple social media channels.
Washington County officials also released a statement about the shooter being from their community. The statement read, "To hear that the perpetrator of such terrible political violence was raised in our beautiful community is profoundly shocking."
The statement continued, "We are immensely grateful to our local law enforcement for their swift, coordinated action alongside federal authorities to investigate and arrest the suspected shooter, who has now been transported out of the area."
The full statement from Washington County can be read below
The Lt. Governor's office released information to FOX 13 News on Friday showing that Robinson was registered to vote in 2021 as an unaffiliated voter. However, due to the fact that Robinson hadn't voted in the two previous election cycles, he was classified as an inactive voter.
The Utah Board of Higher Education confirmed that Robinson had attended Utah State University for one semester in 2021 and received concurrent enrollment credit through Utah Tech University while in high school.
"Utah’s colleges and universities work to ensure that more than 225,000 students are gaining the skills, knowledge and experiences they need to succeed in the workforce and build stronger communities," the board expressed in a statement. "Our campuses foster exploration, learning and the respectful exchange of diverse viewpoints. Attempts to silence or intimidate those voices have no place here. We will continue working to ensure our students, faculty and guests can safely express their perspectives."
The Associated Press also confirmed with military branches that Robinson had no affiliation with the armed services.
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