The FBI has confirmed that Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah resident, has been arrested for the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Kirk, 30, was shot dead by a single rifle round while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday. Officials described the killing as a political assassination.
Confession and Arrest
Law enforcement sources said Robinson confessed or implied involvement to his father, Matt Robinson, a 27-year veteran of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. Matt Robinson contacted authorities, secured his son, and persuaded him to surrender.
Tyler Robinson was taken into custody around 11pm local time on Thursday in southern Utah, about 260 miles from the campus. Governor Spencer Cox announced the arrest at a press conference with the words: “We got him.”
Family Background
Robinson lived with his family in Washington, Utah, in a six-bedroom home. His mother, Amber Robinson, works for Intermountain Support Coordination Services, a state contractor helping disabled people access care. Social media posts showed the family on vacations and celebrating Robinson’s academic achievements, including his scholarship to Utah State University.
Evidence and Planning
Investigators said Robinson had become “more political in recent years.” A family member recalled a dinner conversation where Robinson criticised Kirk as “full of hate and spreading hate.”
Messages reviewed by investigators on Discord, allegedly between Robinson and his roommate, detailed planning elements:
- retrieving a rifle from a drop point
- leaving it hidden in a bush wrapped in a towel
- watching the location where the rifle was concealed
- changing outfits after the attack
- describing the rifle as “unique” with a scope
- mentioning engraved bullets.
The FBI confirmed the recovered weapon was a Mauser .30-06 bolt-action rifle with a scope, found in woodland near the university. Ammunition bore taunting inscriptions including: “Hey fascist! Catch!”, “Bella ciao bella ciao”, and “If you read this you are gay lmao.”
Investigation and Charges
More than 7,000 tips were submitted during the three-day manhunt. President Donald Trump earlier said there was a “high degree of certainty” the suspect was in custody.
Robinson is being held in federal custody and is expected to face charges including murder and terrorism-related offences. Utah Governor Cox confirmed prosecutors will seek the death penalty.
The FBI stressed the investigation remains ongoing.
