Authorities have identified 22-year-old Tyler Robinson of Utah as the suspect in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kirk was shot Wednesday, Sept. 10, while speaking at a Turning Point USA debate at Utah Valley University. He was struck in the neck by a single bullet fired from a rooftop and later died at a hospital. Officials say Robinson likely acted alone.
Timeline of Events
- Sept. 10, 8:29 a.m. – Surveillance footage shows Robinson arriving on campus.
- 11:52 a.m. – Robinson enters the Losee Center and moves through stairwells to the rooftop.
- 12:00 p.m. – The Turning Point USA event begins with Kirk speaking under a tent labeled “The American Comeback”.
- 12:20 p.m. – A single shot is fired from approximately 200 yards away, striking Kirk in the neck while he answers a question.
- 12:22–12:30 p.m. – Campus is evacuated and locked down. Classes are suspended through Sept. 14.
- 12:53 p.m. – FBI agents arrive and begin securing the scene.
- Sept. 11, 9:48 a.m. – FBI releases photos of a person of interest.
- 10:44 a.m. – FBI offers a $100,000 reward for information.
- 8:00 p.m. – Surveillance video shows the suspect fleeing into a wooded area where the rifle was later found.
- Sept. 12, 8:00 a.m. – Former President Trump announces a suspect is in custody.
- 9:35 a.m. – Authorities confirm the suspect is Tyler Robinson.
- 10:00 p.m. – Robinson is arrested in St. George, Utah, after his father contacts law enforcement.
Robinson’s family told investigators he had become more politically outspoken and had criticized Kirk. A roommate shared messages from a chat app referencing the shooting. Bullet casings recovered at the scene were engraved with political and mocking phrases, including “Hey fascist, catch!” and “Bella Ciao.”
The weapon used—a bolt-action Mauser rifle—was found wrapped in a towel in a wooded area. Forensic teams recovered a palm print, forearm imprint, and shoe impressions from the rooftop. Robinson is registered as an unaffiliated, inactive voter. Officials have not confirmed whether he is cooperating with investigators.
The FBI described the arrest as “historic,” occurring within 33 hours of the shooting. The investigation remains ongoing.
