Washington, Utah, located just southwest of Zion National Park, is surrounded by cinematic mesas 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.
Public records and police statements indicate that Tyler Robinson, the man authorities accused of killing the conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University this week, resided in the area. On Saturday, authorities released an affidavit charging him with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and obstruction of justice.
Local and federal law enforcement 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 home tied to Mr. Robinson and his parents in Washington, neighbours expressed shock that a fellow resident could have committed such an attack.
'You don't expect it'
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. Ms. Jacobson said her grandmother described the Robinson family as great people, just regular citizens.
We knew their family. Our whole neighbourhood is so close, remarked another neighbour who lived nearby.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the Robinsons a good family, noted their normal childhood, and expressed sadness over the events leading to the accusation against Tyler.
On 10 September, Kirk was shot in front of hundreds of students and observers, leading to condemnation from several political leaders.
'It blows your mind'
The night before, a large police presence was observed at a townhouse complex in St George where Mr. Robinson resided. Witnesses reported a chaotic scene as authorities demanded the suspect surrender.
Discussions of Mr. Robinson's communications on social media raised red flags, suggesting prior knowledge of the act he is now accused of. As formal charges are expected to be filed soon, the small community and the nation at large are left reeling from the implications of this violent political incident.
This whole time, I never knew that I was living next to somebody capable of something like this, said Ms. Jacobson, reflecting on the eerie familiarity of community spaces.
