In a stunning turn of events, authorities have apprehended a suspect in the shocking killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
According to the Daily Caller, after a relentless 33-hour investigation, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was arrested Thursday evening in Washington County as the prime suspect in Kirk’s fatal shooting on Wednesday.
The tragic incident unfolded at 12:23 p.m. Mountain Time on Wednesday when Kirk was shot while on campus at Utah Valley University in Utah.
Federal agents from the FBI arrived on the scene just 16 minutes after the shooting was reported. Specialized personnel and evidence were quickly transported between Utah and the East Coast using fixed-wing aircraft for rapid analysis. Investigators also reviewed campus security footage, identifying a gray Dodge Challenger arriving at 8:29 a.m. that morning, potentially linked to the suspect.
By 4:21 p.m. on Wednesday, FBI Director Kash Patel announced that a suspect was in custody, stating, “The subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody.” However, less than two hours later, at 5:59 p.m., the FBI retracted this statement after interrogating and releasing the individual. This early misstep intensified the urgency of the ongoing search for the true perpetrator.
On Thursday, investigators meticulously traced the shooter’s movements, following a path from the campus to a nearby rooftop, and then into a surrounding neighborhood that was thoroughly searched.
In a wooded area where the suspect fled, authorities discovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle concealed in a dark towel. Additional evidence, including footwear marks, a palm print, and forearm impressions, was collected for forensic examination alongside the weapon.
At 10 a.m. on Thursday, the FBI’s Salt Lake City office released images of a person of interest dressed in dark attire, sunglasses, and a baseball cap. Less than an hour later, the agency announced a $100,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest in the case. By 5:30 p.m. that day, FBI Director Kash Patel and Assistant Director Dan Bongino arrived at the university to oversee the investigation firsthand.
At 8 p.m. on Thursday, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox held a briefing, unveiling new photos and video footage of the suspected shooter to the public. Just two hours later, at 10 p.m., authorities captured 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in Washington County, marking a significant breakthrough. The arrest came after Robinson’s father reached out to a family friend—a youth pastor and U.S. Marshals task force officer—indicating his son had either admitted to or hinted at involvement in the shooting.
The family friend promptly notified the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, which coordinated with Utah County officials, university investigators, and the FBI. Interviews with Robinson’s relatives revealed he had grown increasingly political in recent years, according to family members. One relative also noted that Robinson owned a vehicle resembling the gray Dodge Challenger seen on campus and had mentioned Kirk’s upcoming university visit before the incident.
Further evidence emerged from Discord messages obtained from Robinson’s roommate, sent by a contact named “Tyler.” These messages discussed retrieving a rifle from a designated spot on campus and included details about the weapon’s scope, bullet casings, and the shooter’s attire. This digital trail provided investigators with critical insight into the planning behind the tragic event.
On Friday morning, Gov. Spencer Cox opened a press conference to formally announce Robinson’s arrest, declaring, “We got him.” That same morning, President Donald Trump commented on the development during an appearance on “Fox & Friends,” saying, “With a high degree of certainty, the suspect in Kirk’s murder had been captured.” FBI Director Kash Patel also spoke, emphasizing the progress made, stating, “In 33 hours, we have made historic progress for Charlie.”
Patel further noted the active status of the case, calling it “very much an ongoing investigation” during Friday’s updates. Utah County Sheriff Mike Smith expressed appreciation for community support, saying, “I would like to thank the public that turned to prayers and positivity for us.” He continued, “We needed those prayers, that’s what we needed to get through this. We needed your support, and you gave it to us. We needed your patience, and you gave it to us.”
Following the arrest, Utah law enforcement has a three-day window to file necessary processing documents before a preliminary hearing for Robinson. Meanwhile, federal and state agents continue to analyze evidence in collaboration with local authorities to build a comprehensive case. The investigation remains active, with officials committed to uncovering every detail surrounding the tragic loss of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.