Suspect in Charlie Kirk’s Murder Arrested in Utah: “We got him,” Announces Governor Spencer Cox

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  Newsroom

• September 12, 2025

• Newsroom

Suspect in Charlie Kirk’s Murder Arrested in Utah: “We got him,” Announces Governor Spencer Cox

After a two-day manhunt that mobilized local and federal authorities, Utah police arrested on Friday (12) the suspect in the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which took place on the campus of Utah Valley University (UVU).

Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed that the suspect is Tyler Robinson, 22, a Utah resident, who was located and taken into custody by law enforcement.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we got him,” Cox declared dramatically during a press conference, marking the end of the police pursuit.

Identification of the suspect

According to Cox, the investigation moved forward quickly thanks to:

• Family testimonies: a relative revealed that Robinson was “full of hatred” and had become “more political in recent years.” At a dinner, he reportedly mentioned Kirk’s presence at the university and expressed strong dislike for the activist.

• Indirect confession: on the night of the attack, Robinson hinted to a friend that he had carried out the shooting. The account was relayed to police the same day.

• Digital evidence: Robinson’s roommate provided Discord messages in which he discussed a rifle and a drop-off point similar to where police later found the alleged weapon.

• Video footage: security cameras captured Robinson and his gray Dodge Challenger near the UVU campus shortly before the crime.

Timeline of the attack

According to Beau Mason, Utah’s Commissioner of Public Safety, the events unfolded as follows:

• 11:52 a.m. (September 10): the suspect approached UVU and entered the campus.

• 12:00 p.m.: Charlie Kirk began his speech, greeting the crowd of more than 3,000 people and tossing out red hats, a nod to the conservative movement.

• 12:20 p.m.: about 20 minutes into the talk, Robinson fired a shot that struck Kirk in the neck. The gunfire caused panic as students dove to the ground and barricaded themselves in classrooms.

• After the shot: the shooter fled by jumping off a rooftop and escaping into a nearby neighborhood, abandoning a rifle in a wooded area.

• Hospital: Kirk was rushed to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

Authorities stated that they believe Robinson acted alone.

Reward and charges

The FBI had offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to the shooter’s capture. With the arrest, the case now moves into the formal indictment stage.

Governor Cox added that prosecutors are expected to seek the death penalty, given the severity of the crime, which has shaken not only Utah but also the broader national political landscape.

Political and institutional impact

Charlie Kirk, 31, was one of the most influential conservative activists in the U.S., founder of Turning Point USA, and played a key role in building youth support for President Donald Trump.

The assassination also places scrutiny on FBI Director Kash Patel, whose early handling of the investigation was criticized for inexperience and premature statements.

Reactions

• Donald Trump: The U.S. president announced the arrest live on Fox News’ Fox & Friends, even before Utah authorities provided official details.

  “I learned about the arrest minutes before going on air. It’s a sad day. I knew Charlie, he was a good man and a great leader,” Trump said.

• Final interaction: Witnesses reported that Kirk’s last public exchange was with a liberal TikToker, who asked him about mass shootings involving transgender individuals. Just minutes after the back-and-forth, the fatal shot was fired.

Next steps

Tyler Robinson has been transferred to Utah County Jail, where he awaits his initial hearing. State prosecutors, in cooperation with the FBI, are expected to formally file charges in the coming days.

The investigation remains ongoing to uncover further details of the planning behind the attack, as well as any potential political or ideological motivations linked to the suspect.