A 22-year-old Utah resident, Tyler Robinson, has been apprehended in connection with the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, authorities confirmed. The incident, which occurred during an event hosted by Turning Point USA, has sent shockwaves through the nation.
Details of the Incident
On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot while speaking at an open-air event on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem, Utah.
Witnesses reported hearing a single gunshot, with Kirk collapsing after appearing to be struck in the neck. Video footage captured the moment of the shooting, showing panic among attendees as they fled the scene.
According to Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason, the shot was fired from a rooftop approximately 175-200 yards away from the stage where Kirk was seated.
The suspect, described as blending in with the college crowd, was seen accessing a building’s stairwells, reaching the rooftop, and firing a high-powered bolt-action rifle. After the attack, the suspect reportedly jumped from the roof and fled into a nearby neighborhood.
The Suspect: Tyler Robinson
Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old from Washington, Utah, was arrested late Thursday night, approximately 33 hours after the shooting, according to FBI Director Kash Patel. Authorities noted that Robinson had become increasingly politically extreme in recent years, with a family member reporting that he had specifically targeted Kirk’s event at Utah Valley University.
Robinson was turned in by family members and a family friend, who coordinated with law enforcement to ensure his surrender. He is currently being held in the Utah County Jail, though formal charges have yet to be filed.
Investigation and Evidence
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Orem Police, Utah Department of Public Safety, and Utah Valley University Police, conducted an intensive manhunt following the shooting. Investigators recovered a bolt-action rifle in a wooded area near the campus, believed to be the weapon used in the attack. Additionally, trace evidence, including a palm print, forearm imprint, and shoe impression, was collected from the rooftop where the shot was fired.
Surveillance footage provided key insights into the suspect’s movements, showing an individual arriving on campus around 11:52 a.m., navigating stairwells, and accessing the rooftop. The suspect was described as wearing dark clothing, including jeans, a black shirt, and a black vest, and was able to blend into the college environment.
Official Responses
Utah Governor Brian Cox addressed the arrest during a Friday morning press conference, stating, “We got him.” He described the shooting as a deliberate political assassination and emphasized Utah’s commitment to justice, noting that the state still upholds the death penalty.
President Donald Trump was the first to announce the suspect’s apprehension during a live interview on Fox News’ “Fox and Friends” on Friday, September 12, 2025. Trump revealed that a minister with ties to law enforcement played a key role in turning Robinson in.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump mourned Kirk’s death, calling him a “martyr for truth and freedom” who inspired millions.
Turning Point USA issued a statement expressing grief over Kirk’s loss, noting his dedication to engaging young conservatives despite receiving numerous threats throughout his career. “Charlie’s mission was to reach young Americans, and he never wavered, even at great personal risk,” the organization said.
The Aftermath
Kirk, aged 31, was a prominent conservative figure known for his “Prove Me Wrong” debates and his leadership in mobilizing young conservatives through Turning Point USA. He leaves behind his wife, Erika Frantzve, a former Miss Arizona, and two young children. A memorial was established at Utah Valley University on September 11, 2025, as supporters gathered to honor his legacy.
The FBI has offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to the identification and capture of any additional suspects or accomplices. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including Robinson’s motives and potential connections to broader political extremism.
A Nation Mourns
The assassination of Charlie Kirk has been described as a “dark moment for America” by President Trump, with Utah Governor Cox calling it a tragedy for both the state and the nation. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring justice for Kirk and addressing the growing concerns about political violence in the United States.
For ongoing updates, authorities encourage anyone with information to contact the FBI’s tipline.
