FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed on Friday that 22-year-old Tyler Robinson has been arrested in connection with the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The fatal shooting took place on Wednesday, September 10, while Kirk was speaking at Utah Valley University. Patel revealed during a press conference that the FBI received over 11,000 tips during the investigation, which helped authorities identify and locate the suspect. Surveillance footage and online activity also played a significant role in tracking Robinson’s movements before and after the shooting.
Governor Spencer Cox, alongside Patel, shared further details on how Robinson was identified. He was seen arriving at the university in a gray Dodge Challenger and later spotted in surveillance footage fleeing the rooftop after the shot was fired. A critical break in the case came when Robinson’s father recognized him in images released by the FBI. With help from a family pastor, the father convinced Robinson to turn himself in. He was taken into custody Thursday night after arriving voluntarily at a police station.
Authorities also disclosed disturbing digital communications recovered from a Discord chat, where Robinson had spoken to his roommate about returning to the scene to retrieve the murder weapon. He also allegedly communicated with another unnamed individual about the Mauser 30.06-caliber rifle used in the attack. These chats revealed plans about hiding the weapon, as well as decisions regarding his clothing for the day of the shooting.
Forensic evidence tied Robinson to the scene. Investigators recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle, believed to be the murder weapon, from a wooded area near the university. On the rooftop where the shot originated, law enforcement found a palm print, a forearm impression, and a shoeprint. Bullet casings left behind had handwritten messages, including “Hey Fascist! Catch!”, “Bella Ciao,” and a mocking phrase: “If you read this, you are gay lmao.”
Family members have reported that Robinson had become more politically radicalized in recent years and had expressed disdain for Kirk prior to the shooting. Robinson reportedly criticized Kirk during a recent family gathering, expressing disapproval of his conservative views and role in public discourse.
The assassination occurred while Kirk was hosting a Q&A session under a tent on campus. As he responded to a student, a single gunshot struck him in the neck, causing chaos among the crowd. Kirk was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead. His death has sparked national mourning and intensified scrutiny over political extremism and public safety at university events.
