According to TMZ, Tyler told his father he would prefer taking his own life than surrender. As a result, he’s currently being evaluated by jailhouse staff in a special housing unit, where he’s under 24/7 surveillance.
“We don’t know if he’s made any comments which could indicate he’s considering suicide in jail … though law enforcement sources told us earlier Friday that Tyler allegedly indicated to his father he’d rather die by suicide than turn himself in to police,” TMZ reports.
The outlet cites a spokesperson for the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, Sergeant Raymond Ormond, who revealed the 22-year-old is under “special watch” while mental health professionals assess the possibility of suicide.
Robinson was arrested this Friday but hasn’t been formally charged, with Kirk’s killing still being investigated. He is facing charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a weapon causing serious bodily injury, and obstruction of justice.
Kirk was shot in the neck while speaking to students at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injury. The activist was only 31.