Suspect Apprehended in Assassination of Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk

Orem, Utah – September 12, 2025 – In a swift end to a tense multi-agency manhunt, authorities announced the arrest of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, the prime suspect in the fatal shooting of prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The apprehension, which came just over 33 hours after the attack, was facilitated by a tip from Robinson’s own family, marking a pivotal moment in an investigation that has reignited national debates on political violence.

Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder of Turning Point USA and a key ally to President Donald Trump, was assassinated on Wednesday afternoon during a speaking event at Utah Valley University (UVU). Around 12:23 p.m. local time, Kirk was struck by a single bullet from a high-powered bolt-action rifle while addressing an outdoor crowd at the university’s amphitheater. He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital shortly after. The shooting, described by Utah Governor Spencer Cox as a “political assassination,” prompted an immediate lockdown of the campus and a widespread search for the gunman.

Robinson, a Utah resident with brief ties to local universities, was taken into custody late Thursday night in Washington County, approximately 250 miles south of UVU. According to officials, the breakthrough came when a family member—reportedly Robinson’s father—recognized him from FBI-released surveillance images and security camera footage. The relative contacted a family friend, who in turn alerted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Robinson had allegedly confessed or implied his involvement during a conversation, leading to his surrender with the assistance of a clergy member.

NOW – Utah Governor Cox on Charlie Kirk’s assassin, Tyler Robinson: “We got him!” Family said Tyler was saying Kirk was “‘full of hate’ and ‘spreading hate.'” pic.twitter.com/R9aW5yi2Or

— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) September 12, 2025

Megyn Kelly: “Is now a moment to reach out… to the other side, lower the temperature?”

Donald Trump Jr.: “Who was better at that, or kinder in doing that than Charlie Kirk? And they k*lled him. I don’t think it’s possible.”pic.twitter.com/016ZA1ONJm

— Thomas Sowell Quotes (@ThomasSowell) September 12, 2025

FBI releases VIDEO of Charlie Kirk’s killer at Utah Valley Univ.

The suspect jumps off a roof and runs away. Traces found, shoe marks, hand print, and arm mark. Gun and bullets recovered nearby. pic.twitter.com/7twjznJd7M

— Hindustan (@InsideHindustan) September 12, 2025

Governor Cox, addressing reporters Friday morning, confirmed that inscriptions on bullet casings recovered from the scene matched those belonging to Robinson. Video evidence showed Robinson arriving near the UVU campus in a Dodge Challenger around 8:29 a.m. on the day of the shooting, hours before the attack. Investigators also uncovered Discord messages from an account linked to Robinson, discussing the retrieval and concealment of a rifle—consistent with how the weapon was later found wrapped in a towel and hidden in bushes.

Robinson, who attended Utah State University for one semester in 2021 and received credits from Utah Tech University during high school, has no military affiliations, officials clarified. A relative told investigators that Robinson had grown increasingly political in recent years, expressing negative views about Kirk and even mentioning the activist’s upcoming UVU visit during a family dinner. Authorities believe he acted alone, though the probe remains ongoing. Robinson is being held without bail in Utah County Jail on preliminary charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm, and obstruction of justice. He has invoked his right to counsel and is not speaking to investigators.

The arrest drew immediate reactions from political figures. President Trump, appearing on Fox News, praised law enforcement and called the killing a “heinous assassination,” reminiscing about Kirk’s role in mobilizing young voters for his 2024 campaign. Governor Cox urged restraint, pleading with Kirk’s supporters—many young conservatives—to reject vengeance and use the tragedy as a turning point against escalating division. “This is an attack on all of us,” Cox said, invoking parallels to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr.

FBI Director Kash Patel hailed the rapid progress, noting the recovery of forensic evidence and the collaborative effort that led to Robinson’s capture. As the nation mourns Kirk, a memorial has formed outside UVU, where his event was meant to inspire the next generation of conservatives. The investigation continues, but for Kirk’s family and supporters, justice has taken its first step.