After a multiday manhunt, federal and state authorities announced Friday that they have taken a suspect into custody in connection with the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University earlier this week.
“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen — we got him,” Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) declared at a Friday morning press conference, confirming that the suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was arrested in southern Utah.
Breakthrough from Family Tip
Cox said the break in the case came after a relative of Robinson reached out to a family friend, who then contacted authorities with information suggesting Robinson had confessed or implied responsibility for the shooting.
Robinson’s family reportedly told investigators that he had become increasingly political in recent years. The governor recounted one recent dinner before Sept. 10, during which Robinson allegedly criticized Kirk’s planned appearance at Utah Valley University.
“They talked about why they didn’t like him and the viewpoints that he had,” Cox said. “The family member also stated Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate.”
Robinson’s father, a veteran police officer, was later involved in orchestrating his surrender to authorities at the family’s home.
Evidence Ties Suspect to Shooting
Investigators said Robinson was identified using facial recognition technology and surveillance footage from the university. When agents executed a search, they reportedly found clothing and personal items visible in the video.
Authorities also recovered the rifle believed to have been used in the assassination, along with spent and unspent rounds. Disturbingly, some casings bore inscriptions. According to Cox, one read, “Hey fascist, catch!” while another included the phrase “Bella ciao” — a reference to a historic Italian resistance song embraced by left-wing movements.
The Shooting
Kirk, 31, a prominent conservative leader and close ally of President Donald Trump’s circle, was shot and killed Wednesday while taking audience questions during an event at Utah Valley University.
According to investigators, Robinson fired a single round from a rooftop about 200 meters away from the stage. Kirk was struck in the neck and collapsed in front of the audience. Authorities believe Robinson fled through a wooded area into a nearby neighborhood.
The activist, who leaves behind two young children, was rushed to a hospital in a private vehicle but later succumbed to his injuries.
Federal and State Response
The FBI’s Salt Lake City field office, which led the search, said Thursday that agents had gathered extensive footage of the suspect, whom they described as having “blended in well with a college institution.” Authorities later released still images of a man in a baseball cap, sunglasses, and a patriotic T-shirt, and offered a $100,000 reward for tips leading to his arrest.
The confirmation of Robinson’s capture came after President Trump, appearing on Fox & Friends Friday morning, said a suspect was already in custody.
“So much work has been done over the last two and a half days … But yeah, I think we’re in great shape. And he’s in custody,” Trump said.
A Nation Reacts
Kirk’s killing has stunned conservative circles. A polarizing but influential figure, he founded Turning Point USA and had recently launched his “American Comeback Tour,” which aimed to energize young conservatives ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Gov. Cox praised the collaborative work of law enforcement and emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing. “Justice will be served,” he said.
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