Authorities have apprehended a suspect in the assassination of prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot during a campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.
The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson of St. George, Utah, was taken into custody late Thursday night following a nearly 48-hour manhunt, officials confirmed Friday morning.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox announced the arrest during a press conference, stating that Robinson was identified after his father recognized him in photographs released by law enforcement.
According to Cox, Robinson confessed to his father, who then contacted a local youth pastor with ties to the U.S. Marshals Service.
The pastor relayed the information, leading to Robinson’s swift apprehension.
“The family did the right thing,” Cox said, praising their cooperation with authorities.
The shooting occurred during Kirk’s “Prove Me Wrong” debate, part of Turning Point USA’s “The American Comeback Tour,” which drew over 3,000 attendees.
Kirk, 31, was engaging with audience members when he was shot in the neck, according to police reports. The assailant fled the scene, prompting a massive response from local police and the FBI, who released images and a video of the suspect on September 11, offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
Investigators revealed chilling details about the crime. Unspent bullet casings recovered at the scene bore inscriptions, including “Hey fascist! Catch!” and arrow symbols, suggesting a targeted attack.
Authorities noted that Robinson, described as a college-aged individual with proficiency in handling a high-powered rifle, likely had familiarity with the university’s layout.
A family member reported that Robinson had become increasingly vocal about political issues in recent years and had mentioned Kirk’s upcoming appearance at a recent family dinner.
President Donald Trump first announced the arrest during a Friday morning appearance on Fox & Friends, stating, “I think, with a high degree of certainty, we have him.”
Trump, who described Kirk as a close ally and “like a son,” expressed hope that the suspect would face severe consequences.
“Charlie didn’t deserve this,” he added, noting that the suspect was turned in by someone close to him, facilitated by a “person of faith.”
The FBI, led by Director Kash Patel, provided a timeline of events. On September 10, the suspect arrived on campus at 8:29 a.m. MDT in a grey Dodge Challenger, wearing a maroon T-shirt and a black hat.
The shooting occurred at 12:23 p.m., with police securing the scene shortly after. By Thursday, tips from the public, combined with the family’s cooperation, led to Robinson’s arrest. Charges are pending as the investigation continues.
The killing has sparked widespread condemnation across the political spectrum. Former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden issued statements denouncing the violence, with Biden saying, “There is no place in our country for this kind of violence,” and Obama noting that he and his wife Michelle were praying for Kirk’s wife, Erika, and their two young children.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also condemned the act, emphasizing the need for open debate without fear of violence.
Governor Cox stated that there is no evidence suggesting additional suspects at this time, describing the incident as an apparent lone act.
The motive remains under investigation, though Robinson’s political leanings and prior comments about Kirk suggest ideological motivations. The FBI continues to analyze evidence, including the recovered rifle, to build a case.
Kirk, the co-founder of Turning Point USA, was a polarizing figure known for his outspoken conservative views and campus activism.
