Utah resident Tyler Robinson, 22, has been taken into custody in relation to the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. As part of his Turning Point USA tour, Kirk was speaking at a public event at Utah Valley University on September 10 when he was shot and killed. Following a tip from a family member, the FBI and Utah authorities began a thorough manhunt, and on September 11, Robinson was apprehended.
A family member provided the tip that resulted in Robinson’s apprehension, claiming that Robinson had either admitted to or suggested involvement in the shooting. After contacting a family friend, that relative got in touch with the police. According to reports, Robinson’s father also collaborated with a pastor to help his son turn himself in after seeing a surveillance photo.
Key evidence was discovered by authorities on Robinson’s roommate’s Discord account. Plans to retrieve a bolt-action rifle from a drop site, conceal it in a towel-wrapped bush, and change clothes following the attack were disclosed in the messages. Later, the rifle was discovered wrapped precisely as described in a wooded area close to the campus.
Additionally, investigators found spent and unfired bullet casings, some of which had offensive or derogatory engravings on them. They included expressions such as “Hey fascist! Catch!, the anti-fascist anthem “O Bella Ciao,” and text that resembles memes, like “Notices bulge OWO what’s this?” According to authorities, the writings reveal an ideological or political motivation for the assault.
According to Robinson’s family, he has become more political in recent years. He allegedly mocked Kirk’s opinions at a recent family dinner and brought up the impending university appearance. Robinson’s past criminal history is unreported.
He faces several charges, including aggravated murder, and is presently being held without bail. According to authorities, Robinson acted alone.