Yesterday, September 11, 2025, conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was tragically shot at a debate event held at Utah Valley University. Kirk, known for his outspoken political commentary, was attending the event when the incident occurred.
Authorities quickly responded, and Tyler Robinson, 22, has been arrested in connection with the shooting. Law enforcement officials are currently investigating the motive behind the attack.
The news has sent shockwaves across the United States, with supporters and political figures expressing grief and concern. Analysts warn that this tragic event may further deepen political divisions in the country.
In response to the incident, President Donald Trump visited New York to participate in 9/11 memorial events at Yankee Stadium, highlighting the nation’s ongoing challenges and the need for unity.
Authorities have taken the suspect in Charlie Kirk’s killing, Tyler Robinson, into custody, they announced this morning. With that, they offered major details on how the search unfolded and how they gathered evidence.
Here is everything you need to know:
Who is Robinson: The 22-year-old grew up in the suburban community of Washington, Utah, and was a high-achieving student. He had no party affiliation and didn’t vote in the two most recent elections, voter registration records show. But a family member told investigators Robinson “had become more political in recent years” and had lashed out at Kirk, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said today.
Details of arrest: A family member of Robinson reached out to a family friend, who then “contacted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office with information that Robinson had confessed to them or implied that he had committed the incident,” Cox said. Robinson was taken into custody in Utah at 10 p.m. local time yesterday — 33 hours after Kirk’s killing, FBI Director Kash Patel said.
Evidence: Robinson posted messages on Discord, a group chat app, which his roommate showed to investigators, according to Cox. The message contents included:
- Robinson stating a need to retrieve a rifle from a drop point
- Leaving the rifle in a bush
- Visually watching the area where a rifle was left
- Reference to having left the rifle wrapped in a towel
- Reference to engraving bullets and the rifle being unique
- Mention of Robinson changing outfits
What is known about the weapon: Investigators discovered a bolt-action rifle wrapped in a towel, Cox said. The casings found with the rifle were engraved with inscriptions that included the words, ‘Hey fascist! Catch!’” Cox said.
Surveillance footage from the scene: Investigators said surveillance video showed the suspect arriving on campus Wednesday morning in a Dodge Challenger. He was seen in a plain maroon T-shirt, light-colored shorts, a black hat with a white logo and light-colored shoes, Cox said. When encountered by investigators, the suspect was wearing clothes “consistent” with those seen on video, the governor said.
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