OREM, Utah — Tyler Robinson, 22, Arrested in Connection With Assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University
Federal and state authorities confirmed late Thursday the arrest of Tyler Robinson, 22, who is accused of fatally shooting conservative commentator and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk during a public event at Utah Valley University earlier this week.
Robinson was taken into custody around 11 p.m. Thursday in St. George, Utah, nearly 250 miles from the Orem campus where the attack occurred. Officials say his father contacted police after Robinson allegedly confessed to carrying out the shooting. According to investigators, the father secured his son and waited until law enforcement arrived to make the arrest.
Rifle Found Near Campus
Authorities reported recovering a Mauser .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle in a wooded area close to the UVU campus. The weapon was wrapped in a towel, and forensic teams found one spent cartridge in the chamber along with three live rounds in the magazine.
Investigators disclosed that the ammunition bore engravings with references to transgender and antifascist ideology. The FBI has taken custody of the weapon and ammunition for DNA and fingerprint testing, while the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) will conduct further forensic analysis.
Surveillance Footage and Timeline
Video evidence reviewed by investigators shows an individual dressed entirely in black, walking with a limp, and concealing what appeared to be a rifle. The footage, timestamped 11:49 a.m. Wednesday, captured the suspect just blocks from the UVU campus. By 11:52 a.m., authorities believe he had reached the university grounds.
Officials say Robinson fired a single round from the rooftop of a nearby building, striking Kirk as he spoke before an audience of roughly 3,000 during his “Prove Me Wrong” debate event in an outdoor courtyard. Following the gunshot, the suspect fled on foot. Additional surveillance footage later showed a man running through a residential area near campus.
Multi-Agency Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Utah Department of Public Safety are jointly leading the investigation, with support from the Utah County Attorney’s Office, the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, and local law enforcement. The ATF is assisting with firearms testing.
Authorities confirmed that several individuals had been detained and questioned in the early stages of the investigation. Among them, George Zinn faces obstruction charges, while another man, Zachariah Qureshi, was released without charges after interrogation. Neither is believed to be directly tied to the shooting.
Facing Capital Charges
At a press briefing Thursday night, officials announced that Robinson will face capital charges. Prosecutors have indicated that they will pursue the death penalty if he is convicted.
“This was a deliberate and tragic act of violence,” a spokesperson for the Utah Department of Public Safety said. “Our commitment is to ensure justice is fully served.”
National Reaction
The assassination of Charlie Kirk has drawn swift reaction from across the political spectrum. Former President Donald Trump called Kirk “a patriot and a loyal friend,” while numerous lawmakers condemned the violence as an attack on free speech and political expression.
The White House announced that Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance will travel aboard Air Force Two with Kirk’s body as it is returned to his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona.
Support and Public Appeal
Officials urged Utah residents to remain calm and to seek support if needed. Those in distress were encouraged to call the state’s mental health crisis hotline by dialing 988.
The FBI has opened a digital tip line at fbi.gov/UtahValleyShooting for the public to submit photos, videos, or information related to the investigation.