By Justin Diep
Omaha World-Herald, Neb.
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Neb. — The Washington County Sheriff in Nebraska said he received death threats after social media posts misidentified him as the father of Charlie Kirk’s suspected killer.
Multiple social media posts have misidentified Sheriff Mike Robinson as the father of Tyler James Robinson, 22, of Washington, Utah, who is accused of killing Kirk, a conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, at an event at Utah Valley University.
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Mike Robinson, in a statement, said he received death threats and emails telling him they hope he rots in hell.
“Every law enforcement officer has experienced threats as a result of our profession and individuals we encounter or arrest,” he said. “As law enforcement officers, we take these threats seriously. However, the current death threats are the result of mistaken identity due to a careless and negligent Facebook post. It has been shared on a local gossip page but has since been taken down. The threats not only affect the officer, but also that officer’s family.”
Tyler James Robinson was arrested near his family’s home in Washington County, Utah on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm, and obstruction of justice, all felonies, according to a probable cause statement filed in court and released Friday. There are 32 Washington Counties across the country.
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A judge ordered that he be held without bail.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office in Nebraska, in a Facebook post, said Mike Robinson has no relation to the suspect.
“Any threats directed toward Sheriff Robinson or his family will be taken seriously, reported to the FBI, and pursued to the fullest extent of the law,” the post said.
This article includes material from the Associated Press.
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