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 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 approximately 175 yards away and later died at a hospital.
Robinson was taken into custody late Thursday in St. George, Utah. His father recognized him in surveillance images released by law enforcement and urged him to turn himself in. Robinson initially refused, but later agreed. The father contacted a youth pastor who also serves as a U.S. Marshals task force officer, leading to Robinson’s arrest.
Investigators say Robinson had become increasingly political in recent years and had expressed criticism of Kirk. Messages attributed to Robinson on Discord referenced a rifle wrapped in a towel and bullet casings engraved with phrases like “Hey fascist, catch!” and “Bella Ciao.” One casing read, “If you read this, you are gay.”
The weapon believed to have been used—a bolt-action Mauser rifle—was found wrapped in a towel in a wooded area near the university. It is undergoing forensic analysis at the FBI’s lab in Quantico. Authorities also recovered a palm print, forearm imprint, and shoe impressions from the rooftop.
Video footage shows the suspect arriving on campus shortly before the shooting, moving through stairwells, and fleeing into a nearby neighborhood after jumping from the building. Officials say Robinson likely acted alone, though the investigation remains active.
Kirk, 31, was a prominent conservative figure and co-founder of Turning Point USA. His death has drawn bipartisan condemnation and renewed concerns about political violence.
