Authorities in Utah have confirmed the arrest of a suspect in the fatal shooting of political commentator and conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot on the campus of Utah Valley University (UVU) on 10 September 2025.
The suspect, identified as Tyler Robinson of St. George, Utah, was taken into custody after a family member alerted law enforcement. Officials believe he fired a single, fatal shot from a rooftop location at UVU.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox formally announced the arrest on 12 September during a press conference, stating, “Ladies and gentlemen, we got him.”
Robinson was booked into the Utah County Jail. Charges are expected to be formally filed early next week. The suspect was not a student at UVU.
Tip from family led to arrest
According to Governor Cox, a friend of Robinson’s family contacted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday evening, informing them that Robinson had either confessed or strongly implied involvement in the killing.
Law enforcement then interviewed a relative, who said Robinson had become increasingly political in recent years. During a dinner conversation, Robinson mentioned his disapproval of Kirk, especially after learning that Kirk would be speaking at UVU.
Governor Cox acknowledged the family’s role in facilitating the arrest, stating, “I want to thank the family members of Tyler Robinson who did the right thing.”
Rifle and bullet casings recovered
A high-powered bolt-action Mauser .30-06 calibre rifle believed to be the murder weapon was recovered near the scene. The rifle was wrapped in a towel and hidden in a bush near the UVU campus, matching the suspected escape route.
Forensic analysis is underway at FBI laboratories in Quantico. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that over 11,000 leads were called in, contributing to the identification and arrest.
Notably, investigators recovered bullet casings with handwritten messages. One read “Hey fascist! CATCH!”, another included lyrics from the anti-fascist Italian song Bella Ciao, while a third mockingly stated, “If you read this, you are GAY Lmao.”
Officials said these markings “speak for themselves” in suggesting the shooter’s ideological motivations.
Timeline of events
Authorities provided a detailed timeline during the press conference.
At 11:52 a.m. on 10 September, Robinson arrived on UVU’s Orem campus. Surveillance footage showed him climbing to the rooftop of a building overlooking the event where Kirk was scheduled to speak.
At 12:20 p.m., a single shot was fired. Kirk was struck and transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
After the shooting, the suspect fled off-campus by descending from the roof and escaping into a nearby neighbourhood.
National response and political implications
President Donald Trump, speaking on Fox & Friends early Friday, confirmed the arrest before the Utah press conference, stating, “With a high degree of certainty, we have him in custody.” He added that the suspect’s father played a key role in the arrest, recognising his son in circulated images and encouraging him to surrender.
Sources confirmed that the suspect initially resisted turning himself in but eventually complied after a family-involved intervention coordinated with a U.S. Marshals task force officer.
Trump also reiterated his stance on capital punishment, saying, “In Utah, you have death penalty, and a good governor there. The governor is intent on the death penalty in this case and he should be.”
Governor Cox stopped short of confirming whether Robinson was cooperating with authorities.
Call for de-escalation of political hostility
Governor Cox used the moment to appeal for a reduction in politically motivated violence.
“To my young friends out there, you are inheriting a country where politics feels like rage,” he said. “But we can choose a different path.”
He characterised the killing of Kirk as a political assassination and “an attack on all of us.”
Despite the gravity of the situation, Cox expressed hope that the public could reclaim a more civil discourse.
No additional suspects expected
Officials said no other arrests are anticipated in connection with the case. Investigations are ongoing, with forensic results expected to influence the formal charges.
Surveillance footage played during a joint federal and state press briefing showed Robinson navigating the rooftop before the shot was fired, lending further support to the charges.
The FBI had previously announced a US$100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
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