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Days until Election Day (11/4/2025) - 50
Days to the start of the 2026 Utah Legislature (1/20/2026) - 127
Days until the 2026 midterm elections (11/3/2026) - 414
Days until the 2028 presidential election (11/7/2028) - 1,149
Cox struggles to back "leftist" claims in Kirk assassination
Utah Governor Spencer Cox's claims about Charlie Kirk's alleged killer have raised more questions than answers. While Cox insists it's "very clear" the shooter was deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology, the evidence supporting this explosive assertion appears extremely thin.
But when pressed to provide some evidence to back up that claim, Cox has offered few details.
Cox was interviewed by national media outlets several times on Sunday, where he repeatedly said that Tyler Robinson, Kirk's alleged killer, is not cooperating with authorities.
So, where is that information coming from?
"That information comes from the people around him, from his family members and friends," Cox told CNN's Dana Bash.
The only public statement from one of Robinson's family members was from his grandmother, who told the Daily Mail that his family were staunch Republicans.
When Dash asked for more evidence of these ideological claims, Cox’s answer was unconvincing.
Bash: "I just want to go back to my first question about what you told 'The Wall Street Journal' about that this is a person indoctrinated with leftist ideology. And the reason why I think it would be great to be more specific is because your goal of trying to lower the temperature, you said that this is based on investigation and interviews with people who knew him."Did they just use the term leftist ideology, or did they give specifics?"
Cox: "Yes, there are – I mean, there are conversations that were discussed specifically about Charlie Kirk, other conversations about the direction that this was going in.
Bash: "One last question on that. You just said right now, which is something that you mentioned on Friday, is that he had discussions with family members about Charlie Kirk. Do you have specifics on what he was saying about Charlie Kirk to his family?"
Cox: "Just not a fan. That's all I can say."
Bash: "Okay, not a specific reason why."
It's likely that Cox is being cagey due to the nature of the ongoing investigation. Formal charges are expected to be filed on Tuesday, which will provide more evidence.
Cox has been praised for his calls for unity following Kirk’s death, which makes his answers even more puzzling. He is smart enough to know that claiming the shooter was a leftist will undermine his message by fueling partisan outrage.
Which is why you hope that narrative hangs on more than the shooter "wasn't a fan" of Kirk.
Monday morning's headlines:
Utah and the West
Utah Senate leader's defense of granddaughter in sexual assault case: She wanted victim to feel included. [Utah Political Watch]
Suspect in Charlie Kirk assassination placed in special jail unit, awaiting formal charges. [KUTV]
FBI arrests 2 after incendiary device left under Fox News vehicle. [Fox 13]
Charlie Kirk's tour to continue, including stop at Utah State. [Deseret News]
Hours before he was killed, Charlie Kirk spoke to Utah's restaurant leaders. Here's what he told them. [Salt Lake Tribune]
In the wake of Charlie Kirk assassination, Utah coalition releases toolkit to avoid polarization. [Utah News Dispatch]
Dust storms around the Great Salt Lake are more frequent and dangerous than previously thought. [Salt Lake Tribune]
Utah aims to be at forefront of AI technology, with emphasis on safety. [KSL]
Utah teacher discipline: Proposal to overhaul do's, don'ts rejected by state board. Here's what was approved. [Salt Lake Tribune]
Nation
The FBI is investigating social media posts by at least seven different accounts that appeared to indicated foreknowledge of the assassination of Charlie Kirk. [Washington Free Beacon]
Trump points to "major" new investigation into people on "the left" following Kirk slaying. [MSNBC]
Knives are out for embattled FBI Director Kash Patel, despite Trump support. [Fox News]
FBI Director Kash Patel criticized for his actions and posts during Charlie Kirk shooting investigation. [NBC News]
Congress has 15 days to pass a funding bill to avoid a government shutdown. [Punchbowl News]
House GOP eyes stopgap funding bill to avert shutdown. [Semafor]
President Donald Trump is threatening a complete federal takeover of Washington, D.C. [Truth Social]
World
More than 10% of Gaza's population has been killed or injured, former Israeli military chief says. [CNN]
Rubio visits Israel following the country's attack in Qatar. [Associated Press]
South Korea to probe potential human rights abuses in US raid. [BBC]
Economy
US companies put brakes on hiring after Donald Trump's tariffs hit. [Financial Times]
Long-term unemployment at post-pandemic high. [Washington Post]
Technology
Trump suggests deal reached over the future of TikTok as he announces call with Xi. [Associated Press]
Media
Fox News' Brian Kileade apologizes for "just kill them" comments about mentally ill homeless people. [Deadline]