Family of Craig Robertson, man shot by FBI, releases statement

PROVO, Utah — The family of Craig Robertson, the man who was shot and killed by the FBI on Wednesday morning, released a statement on Facebook Thursday afternoon. 

“We, the family of Craig Deeluew Robertson, are shocked and devastated by the senseless and tragic killing of our beloved father and brother, and we fervently mourn the loss of a good and decent man,” the Robertson Family shared in their post. 

The statement said, “he was understandably frustrated and distraught by the present and ongoing erosions to our constitutionally protected freedoms and the rights of free citizens wrought by what he, and many others in this nation, observed to be a corrupt and overreaching government.”

The family said that Robertson was an elderly – and largely homebound – man.

“Although his statements were intemperate at times, (he would never) commit any act of violence against another human being over a political or philosophical disagreement.” 

The statement said Craig Robertson was a kind and generous person, who was always willing to help others. He was described as a ‘firearm enthusiast.’ He staunchly supported the constitutionally protected right to keep and bear arms. 

Robertson was an active member of his church and loved his religion, according to the statement. Many of his neighbors have expressed shock at the situation and its outcome. 

Travis Lee Clark, a man who knew Robertson through working at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Pioneer Second Ward, said he had a collection of about 20 guns.

“I mean we knew he was conservative. And we knew he liked guns, sometimes he’d show us his latest build and latest gun,” Travis said. “But this is Utah, everybody has you know conservative opinions and likes guns.”

Investigation 

The Provo man had been under investigation by the FBI since March. The investigation began because he made posts that threatened President Biden, Vice President Harris, and those who are currently prosecuting former President Trump. The posts were deemed to show an intent to kill. 

“He was a boomer, and he was very political and sometimes made off-color jokes,” said Clark. “Nothing that indicated it was a threat.”

The FBI arrived at Robertson’s home around 6 a.m. on Wednesday morning. They commanded him to come out with his hands up. 

A witness told KSL Newsradio that six rounds went off in pretty quick succession. They then heard agents yell ‘Shots fired! Shots fired! He has a gun!’  The witness said they lost count of how many shots had been fired. 

Robertson was shot and killed by the FBI. The shooting occurred the same day that President Biden arrived in Utah. 

Related reading:

• Man killed by FBI in Provo posted threats naming President Biden
• Why did the FBI shoot a man in Provo, the same day President Biden landed in Salt Lake City?
• President Biden to arrive in Utah on Wednesday afternoon