‘We Got Him’: Utah Man Arrested in Shooting Death of Conservative Voice Charlie Kirk
Authorities have verified the arrest of a suspect in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist, at Utah Valley University.
The 22- time-old indicted, Tyler Robinson, an original occupant of Utah, has been charged as police and civil agents continue their investigation into the woeful event that has sent shockwaves across political circles.
Robinson’s family say he had recently grown more politically charged, voicing strong opposition to Mr Kirk’s beliefs before the deadly incident unfolded.
“We’re at the Charlie Kirk event at UVU. He just got shot.”
These were the nipping words of Creighton Baird, one of thousands present at the event hosted by Turning Point USA. The crowd was left stupefied, fearful, and confused as law enforcement struggled to identify the perpetrator.
Robert Bowles, the FBI’s special agent overseeing the case, explained the agency’s swift response: “As soon as we heard about the shooting, special agents and personnel from the Salt Lake field office responded immediately.
We have full resources devoted to this investigation, including tactical, operational, investigative and intelligence.”
Within hours, investigators discovered a rifle in nearby woods and circulated CCTV footage capturing a person of interest.
FBI releases surveillance footage of Charlie Kirk suspect, offers $100K reward
Suspect seen in dark clothing with American flag shirt, sunglasses. Authorities say they have identified a name ️ut no arrest warrant issued yet
The bureau asks public to call authorities with tips pic.twitter.com/bxb49FTPw5
— Boi Agent One (@boiagentone) September 12, 2025
Utah’s Governor Spencer Cox confirmed the arrest in the early hours, calling it a significant breakthrough.
“We got him. On the evening of September 11, a family member of Tyler Robinson reached out to the family friend, who contacted the Washington County Sheriff’s office with information that Robinson had confessed to them or implied that he had committed the incident.
This information was relayed to the Utah County Sheriff’s office and senior Investigators at Utah Valley University. This information was also conveyed to the FBI.”
Authorities believe Robinson acted alone. Remarkably, he had no prior criminal record. Although his parents are registered Republicans, Robinson had no formal party affiliation and had not voted in the last two elections.
However, investigators noted his increasing political fervour and hostility towards Kirk’s views.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasised that the probe is far from over: “This is very much an ongoing investigation, as the governor said, and we will continue to work with state and local authorities to develop the investigation, to provide them the evidence they need for their ongoing prosecutions. And we will be here to answer every call they absolutely have.”
Robinson’s father reportedly recognised his son’s image and encouraged him to surrender, with assistance from a youth pastor connected to the US Marshal’s office.
Just In
22-year-old Utah resident Tyler Robinson has been arrested for the assassination of Charlie Kirk,
The assassin was turned in by his father.
“The killer then confessed to his father, who is a a 27-year veteran of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department,” the… pic.twitter.com/ZQN8nSi1kN
— RealRobert (@Real_RobN) September 12, 2025
Investigators also spoke to Robinson’s roommate, who provided messages from Discord. These communications contained references to retrieving a rifle from a hiding place, engraving bullets, and other details corroborating the crime scene evidence.
The incident has sparked debates across America, especially given Charlie Kirk’s elevation within conservative circles and his closeness to President Donald Trump. Some critics argue political rhetoric has fuelled the dears.
Speaking on Fox & Friends, Trump blamed the “radical left” for escalating violence: “I’ll tell you something that’s going to get me in trouble, but I couldn’t care less.
The radicals on the right oftentimes are radical because they don’t want to see crime. They don’t want to see crime.
They’re saying we don’t want these people coming in. We don’t want you burning our shopping centres.
We don’t want you shooting our people in the tree. The radicals on the left are the problem, and they’re vicious and they’re horrible and they’re politically savvy.
Although they want men’s and women’s sports, they want transgender people for everyone, they want open borders.”
Yet, voices from both sides, including Utah Governor Cox, prompt restraint. The prevailing communication is that clear political differences should be addressed through conversation, not violence.
Damien Burnette from Scottsdale, Arizona, summed up the sentiment: “In this country, you should be able to express ideas. And if you disagree with them, that’s what discussions and debates are for.
Sadly, this country’s come to a point where on one side of the political aisle, if you say something that is disagreed with, you get killed.”
The tragedy has even crossed oceans. In Sydney, Australia, supporters held a vigil for Mr Kirk, draping themselves in red caps and flags.
Joel Jammal, head of the Australian branch of Turning Point, reflected on the event’s reach: “Vent your sadness. I want this message to reach the entire world. How strange it is, so far away.”
Meanwhile, Australia’s online safety regulator warned that unedited footage of the shooting has been accessed by schoolchildren on social media. Platforms have since removed the content where possible.
Back in the United States, Tyler Robinson faces severe charges, including exacerbated murder and obstruction of justice. Police remain posted at his family home, with neighbours expressing disbelief.
Melissa Tait, a local resident, said, “I am very much in shock that this was so close to home. We have a really close-knit group of youth. And, you know, neighbour kids mow lawns and we go door-to-door.
The kids still sell things door-to-door. They walk to school. So, in general, we have a really nice community right here.
And I wouldn’t be apprehensive at all to interact with them.”
Governor Cox admitted his own shock, sharing how he had prayed it would be an outsider responsible: “For 33 hours I was praying that if this had to happen here that it wouldn’t be one of us.
That somebody drove from another state, somebody came from a different country.
Sadly, that prayer was not answered the way I had hoped for, just because I thought it would make it easier on us.”
