OREM, Utah — Federal and state law enforcement officials have confirmed the arrest of Tyler Robinson, 22, in connection with the fatal shooting of conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University (UVU) on Wednesday.
Robinson was taken into custody late Thursday night near St. George, Utah, roughly 250 miles southwest of the UVU campus, following an intense multi-agency investigation and manhunt.
Arrest Details
According to investigators, Robinson confessed to his father that he was responsible for the shooting. Acting swiftly, his father contacted authorities, secured his son, and waited until law enforcement arrived. Robinson was arrested at approximately 11:00 p.m. local time and transported into federal custody.
At a Thursday night press conference, officials confirmed that Robinson will face capital charges and could face the death penalty if convicted.
Rifle Recovered
Law enforcement sources reported that a Mauser .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle was discovered in a wooded area near the UVU campus. The weapon was wrapped in a towel and contained a spent cartridge in the chamber, along with three live rounds still loaded in the magazine.
Investigators noted that the cartridges were engraved with phrases referencing transgender and antifascist ideology. The rifle and ammunition are now in FBI custody, undergoing DNA and fingerprint testing, with additional ballistic analysis to be conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Surveillance Evidence
Surveillance video reviewed by investigators shows a man dressed entirely in black, carrying what appeared to be a concealed rifle, approaching the UVU campus late Wednesday morning. At 11:49 a.m., cameras recorded the suspect walking several blocks from campus with a noticeable hobble.
By 11:52 a.m., FBI officials confirmed that Robinson had entered the campus perimeter. Additional footage captured a man fleeing through a nearby neighborhood backyard following the shooting, even as students evacuated calmly in the opposite direction.
How the Shooting Unfolded
Investigators allege that Robinson climbed onto the rooftop of an adjacent building overlooking UVU’s main courtyard, where Charlie Kirk was addressing an estimated 3,000 attendees during his popular “Prove Me Wrong” debate-style event.
From that vantage point, Robinson fired a single round into the crowd, fatally striking Kirk. Panic rippled through the audience, though trained staff and security personnel quickly initiated evacuation protocols. Robinson was then seen fleeing the scene on foot.
Multi-Agency Investigation
The investigation is being jointly led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS), with additional support from the Utah County Attorney’s Office, the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, and local police departments. The ATF is assisting with weapons analysis.
Authorities confirmed that several individuals were detained or questioned in the immediate aftermath, based on eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage. These included George Zinn, who has been charged separately with obstruction, and Zachariah Qureshi, who was released after questioning and is no longer considered a suspect.
Officials emphasized that while the attack appeared to be targeted, no official motive has yet been determined.
The FBI has established a digital media tip line at fbi.gov/UtahValleyShooting and is urging the public to provide any relevant information or footage.
National Reactions
The assassination of Charlie Kirk drew immediate and widespread condemnation. Leaders across the political spectrum denounced the violence, with many calling for renewed efforts to address rising political hostility.
Former President Donald Trump released a statement remembering Kirk as “a great patriot and friend.”
The White House confirmed that Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance will accompany Kirk’s body aboard Air Force Two to his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona, for memorial arrangements.
Community Resources
Utah officials have urged calm and stressed the importance of supporting one another during this period of shock and mourning. Residents in need of immediate emotional or psychological support are encouraged to call the state’s 988 mental health crisis hotline.
Conclusion
As the nation reels from the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the arrest of Tyler Robinson marks a major development in a case that has already shaken political and academic communities across the United States. While prosecutors prepare capital charges, investigators continue to piece together Robinson’s movements, motives, and potential influences leading up to Wednesday’s shooting.
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