Utah authorities announced Friday morning that the suspect in the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been taken into custody. The arrest comes just days after Kirk was gunned down during an event at Utah Valley University on September 10.
The suspect has been identified as 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson, was turned in by his family Thursday night in Washington County, about 200 miles south of the crime scene. According to booking records, Robinson was moved north and processed into the Utah County Jail in Spanish Fork just before 8:00 Friday morning.
On September 10, a single shot was fired at Utah Valley University during Kirk’s appearance on campus. That bullet struck Kirk in the neck, fatally wounding him. Responding officers secured the scene, and investigators quickly began collecting evidence. Among the items recovered were several bullet casings, including one unfired round inscribed with the words: “HEY FASCIST! CATCH!” Catch Fascist”. Authorities also confirmed that a high-powered bolt-action rifle, believed to be used in the shooting, had been found in a wooded area near the campus.
As the investigation unfolded, law enforcement followed leads across the state. Within 33 hours, a breakthrough came when Robinson’s family contacted authorities. Governor Spencer Cox said that Robinson had confessed to his father, and that a family member reported growing concerns over his political radicalization and expressed disdain for Kirk.
FBI Director Kash Patel noted the speed of the arrest, calling the investigation “historic progress” and emphasizing the efficiency with which agencies collaborated.
Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance accompanied Kirk’s casket aboard Air Force Two as it was flown to Arizona late Thursday night. Officials said the transportation reflected the significance of Kirk’s role in public life and the impact of his death on communities nationwide.
Robinson remains held at the Utah County Jail in Spanish Fork.