Authorities have confirmed the arrest of the man accused of assassinating conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The suspect, Tyler Robinson, 22, was taken into custody in Washington, Utah, late Thursday night. The arrest happened more than 200 miles from the Utah University campus where Charlie Kirk was shot, and it came just 36 hours after the attack. FBI Director Kashba described the swift capture as historic, citing more than 11,000 tips from the public that helped track Robinson down.
Investigators say Robinson arrived at the campus at about 8:20 a.m. in a gray Dodge Challenger, wearing shorts, a T-shirt, and a backpack. He later changed clothes on the rooftop where the shooting occurred, then switched back to his original outfit before fleeing the scene. Authorities believe these deliberate changes were meant to mislead investigators and aid his getaway.
Robinson was not a student at the university. His family told investigators that he had become increasingly political in recent years and had spoken negatively about Charlie Kirk at a recent dinner. Discord messages obtained by the FBI show Robinson discussing retrieving a rifle from a hidden drop point and concealing the weapon in a towel. Officials confirmed he acted alone and no additional arrests are expected.
The bullets used in the shooting carried disturbing engravings, including phrases such as “Notice his bulges,”“Hey fascist, catch,” and “If you read this, you are gay.” One inscription read “Bella Ciao,” a reference to an Italian resistance anthem used during World War II.
According to officials, it was Robinson’s own family and a close friend who persuaded him to confess and then guided the FBI to his location. While a $100,000 reward had been offered for information, unconfirmed reports suggest Robinson’s father may have declined the money.
Robinson is now being held at a Utah County jail. Prosecutors have announced that the death penalty will be pursued. Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the assassination as a watershed moment in American history, questioning whether it marks the end of a dark chapter or the beginning of a new one.
