Suspect in Custody for Assassination of Charlie Kirk

Authorities arrested Tyler James Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah resident, on Friday in connection with the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. ​The arrest capped a 30-hour multi-agency manhunt following the brazen attack on Wednesday, which Gov. Spencer Cox described as an act of political violence that shocked the nation. Robinson, believed to have acted alone, faces at least three felony charges, including aggravated murder.

​Gov. Cox announced the arrest at a Friday morning news conference, crediting a family member's tip for leading to Robinson's surrender. “We got him,” Cox said, noting that Robinson had been booked into Utah County jail. Washington County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Sgt. Lucas Alfred confirmed Robinson turned himself in after authorities were alerted.​

Timeline of Events

​The sequence of the shooting and manhunt unfolded rapidly over three days:

• Wednesday, September 10, 2025: Robinson allegedly arrived at a building near the Utah Valley University campus in Orem shortly after 11:50 a.m. He climbed a stairwell to the rooftop, fired a .30-06 bolt action rifle at Kirk during an outdoor speech in front of a large audience, and fled to a nearby neighborhood.

• Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was killed in the attack. Authorities later recovered the rifle and ammunition from a wooded area near the university. Bullet casings bore engravings with messages such as “Hey fascist! Catch!” and “If you read this you are gay LMAO,” along with references to antifa, LGBTQ, and leftist themes, according to Cox.

• Thursday, September 11, 2025: The manhunt intensified with involvement from multiple agencies, including the FBI. The bureau released photos and video of the suspect jumping from the rooftop and running away.

• Trace evidence from the scene included shoe impressions, a forearm imprint, and a palm print. That evening, a family member—identified as Robinson's father, a 27-year veteran of the Washington County Sheriff's Department—reportedly received a confession from Robinson. The father discussed the matter with a family friend, possibly a minister, who contacted authorities. Cox noted that Robinson had discussed his plans with a roommate and had become increasingly radicalized in recent years, expressing hatred toward Kirk.

• Friday, September 12, 2025: Robinson surrendered to authorities, ending the search. President Donald Trump commented on the arrest, stating that “somebody that was very close to him turned him in,” specifically mentioning the roles of Robinson's father and a minister in driving him to police headquarters. Trump praised the “good shots” that aided the capture.