Authorities in Utah have arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in connection with the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
Robinson, from Utah, was taken into custody at 10 p.m. Thursday and booked into Utah County Jail without bail. He faces charges of aggravated murder — which carries a possible death penalty — felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, and obstruction of justice.
Family Intervention
According to multiple reports, Robinson’s family played a key role in his arrest. He allegedly confessed to the shooting to his father, who urged him to turn himself in. When he initially refused, his father contacted a youth pastor, who then alerted authorities. President Donald Trump confirmed the arrest on Fox & Friends, saying, “I think, with a high degree of certainty, we have him.”
Background and Motive
Robinson was not a student at UVU. Records show he attended Utah State University for one semester in 2021 and was later enrolled in an electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College. Voting records list him as unaffiliated with any political party, though his parents are registered Republicans. Neighbors described the family as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
We are asking for the public’s help identifying this person of interest in connection with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
1-800-CALL-FBI
Digital media tips: https://t.co/K7maX81TjJ pic.twitter.com/ALuVkTXuDc— FBI Salt Lake City (@FBISaltLakeCity) September 11, 2025
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Robinson had recently become more political and expressed hostility toward Kirk’s views. Discord messages between Robinson’s roommate and a friend referenced a rifle pickup and disposal, though Discord later said no evidence was found of premeditated planning on its platform.
Authorities also revealed engravings on bullets recovered from the scene, including phrases like “Hey fascist! Catch!” and references to the Italian anti-fascist anthem Bella Ciao.
The Shooting
Kirk, 31, was shot once on September 10 while answering a question about mass shootings at a student Q&A. Police believe the sniper fired from a rooftop roughly 200 yards away. Kirk was rushed to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators recovered a bolt-action rifle near the scene along with palm prints, footprints, and other forensic evidence. Surveillance images also showed the suspect jumping off a roof and leaving campus on foot.
Reactions
Gov. Cox called the killing a “political assassination.” President Trump said he hopes Robinson “gets the death penalty,” adding: “Charlie Kirk was the finest person and he didn’t deserve this.”
Kirk’s death has drawn widespread tributes from across the political spectrum, as well as renewed debate over political violence in the U.S.
The FBI continues to work alongside our law enforcement partners to seek justice in the murder of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. We are releasing additional photos of a person of interest. Information about this developing investigation can be found… pic.twitter.com/woZacCxYgE
— FBI Salt Lake City (@FBISaltLakeCity) September 12, 2025
The FBI is releasing video of the shooter who murdered Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. Following the shooting, the individual jumps from a rooftop and runs away from the location. Trace evidence collected from the rooftop includes shoe impressions, a… pic.twitter.com/hDVVFKUhYl
— FBI Salt Lake City (@FBISaltLakeCity) September 12, 2025
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