OREM, Utah — Authorities announced the arrest of Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect accused of fatally shooting political activist Charlie Kirk during a speech at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, September 11.
Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck by a single bullet while speaking to a large crowd. He died at the scene, sending shockwaves through the political world. The manhunt for the shooter lasted 33 hours.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed the arrest during a press conference, stating the breakthrough came after a family member of Robinson contacted a friend, who then alerted police.
“We got him,” Cox said. “Thanks to the suspect’s family stepping up.”
Officials said Robinson, a third-year electrician apprentice, came from a Republican family. While his motive is still unclear, investigators discovered anti-fascist slogans written on unused bullet casings found at the scene, including phrases like “Hey, fascist! Catch!” and “Bella ciao.”
Some casings also featured symbols referencing gaming culture, raising questions about possible ideological and cultural influences.
Police recovered a high-powered hunting rifle believed to be the murder weapon. Surveillance footage released during the search showed a young man in casual clothes and a baseball cap near the scene.
After initially detaining and releasing two unrelated suspects, the FBI and local police called for public assistance. The suspect was finally arrested late Thursday night in Utah.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrest took place at 10:00 PM.
In the wake of the tragedy, President Donald Trump called for the death penalty, and Vice President JD Vance escorted Kirk’s coffin to Phoenix aboard Air Force Two, underscoring the political weight of the incident.
A vigil held in Orem Park drew hundreds of supporters wearing MAGA hats and holding American flags.
“It still feels insane that this happened,” said one attendee, Jonathan Silva, 35.
Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was known for his fiery speeches and hardline views on immigration, gun rights, and religion. He was a key figure in mobilizing the youth vote for Trump and was widely recognized for his confrontational college campus debates.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
