Washington, Utah, located just south-west of Zion National Park, is surrounded by cinematic, flat-topped mountains and has long been a hub for exploring the natural wonders of the American west.
Yet, the last 48 hours have left residents wondering how the portal to the most beautiful parts of the country may have produced one of its ugliest acts of political violence in years.
Tyler Robinson, the man authorities accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University this week, resided in the area, according to police. He is now in custody after his father apparently persuaded him to surrender.
Local and federal law enforcement officers descended on typically quiet blocks in Washington and nearby St George, banging on doors and closing off streets as they carried out a high-stakes investigation.
Outside the Robinson family home in Washington, neighbours expressed shock that a fellow resident could have committed such an attack.
It shakes up a community because you don't expect it, said Addi Jacobson, 20, who recently moved into her grandmother's house in the neighbourhood. We knew their family. Our whole neighbourhood is so close, she said, adding her grandmother considered them a great family.
Local residents described Tyler Robinson as a quiet individual, and shared praise for his family. Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated, This is a good family... All of those things that, that you would hope would never lead to something like this. And sadly, it did.
On September 10, Charlie Kirk was shot in front of hundreds of students and observers, later dying at the hospital. There was a strong backlash from political leaders across the spectrum condemning the violence. If you thought that my husband's mission was powerful before, you have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country, his wife Erika Kirk stated in her first public comment.
The night before Mr. Robinson's arrest, police had converged on a complex where he was reported to live, leading to a dramatic stand-off as helicopters hovered above the area. Authorities discovered messages allegedly tied to Robinson discussing violent thoughts and preparations.
As the local community grapples with this unprecedented event, they are also faced with the harsh realities of political division as they ponder how such violence could happen in their midst. The case will undoubtedly attract national attention as it further unfolds, with the first court appearance for Robinson scheduled soon.
