Suspect Arrested in Connection with Charlie Kirk Assassination

Photo via Utah’s Governor’s Office

TJ Thompson | Editor-in-Chief

Law enforcement announced Friday that they had arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson for the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Robinson is accused of shooting Kirk in the neck with a high-powered rifle that police recovered Thursday.

Robinson’s father recognized his son in the photos released by the FBI and told him to turn himself in. The former straight-A student was initially reluctant, but later changed his mind. President Trump announced Friday morning on “Fox and Friends” that he believed Utah law enforcement had a suspect in custody. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox confirmed the news during a morning press conference, saying, “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. We got him.”

Cox spoke about surveillance video that was used to identify the suspect and track his movements following the attack. Robinson is allegedly seen jumping off the roof of a building on Utah Valley’s campus. He also mentioned how the video showed the suspect walking with a weird limp, which investigators believe is from him concealing the weapon in his clothes.

It is being reported that he has become more politically active in recent years. A former classmate of his from high school was interviewed by ABC News and said they were “stunned.” Adding that they “never really heard him talk political.”

Robinson comes from a loving family and was described by his neighbors as a “good kid.” The Washington, Utah native was enrolled at Utah Valley University for one semester in 2021, but was currently attending Dixie Technical College in Utah, where he was working toward becoming an electrician.

A family member of Robinson told ABC News that the suspect mentioned Kirk would be at Utah Valley University while they were discussing why they disliked Kirk or his viewpoints at a family dinner.

Cox said that authorities received more than 7,000 tips and completed some 200 interviews in the 33 hours before they arrested Robinson.

Robinson is not cooperating with law enforcement, so it is still not entirely clear why Robinson allegedly committed the crime.