Authorities have identified 22-year-old Tyler Robinson from Washington, Utah, as the suspect in the shooting of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk. The suspect was arrested following two days of a manhunt that began when Kirk was shot at Utah Valley University during a live event on September 10, 2025.
The Department of Public Safety in Utah, in conjunction with the FBI, confirmed the arrest after receiving a tip from a family friend late Thursday night. This tip prompted a rapid response from law enforcement, which included a $100,000 reward for information leading to the shooter. President Donald Trump announced Robinson’s arrest during a Fox News interview, stating that authorities had captured the suspect "with a high degree of certainty."
Utah Governor Spencer Cox revealed that law enforcement was alerted by a family member of Robinson’s, who indicated that he had hinted at involvement in the shooting. Investigators matched Robinson’s vehicle and clothing to surveillance footage from the university. Additionally, Robinson’s roommate provided Discord messages that suggested plans concerning a rifle, further implicating him in the crime.
After the shooting, investigators discovered a Mauser .30-caliber hunting rifle, reportedly abandoned by the shooter, near the scene. The casings from the bullets were said to have crude engravings, raising questions about the shooter’s mindset. Witnesses stated that Kirk was speaking during his "prove me wrong" debate when he was shot in the neck, with about 3,000 people in attendance.
The aftermath of the shooting unfolded amid a tense atmosphere, as conflicting accounts from officials led to confusion regarding whether anyone had been detained. Far-right extremists began targeting individuals they believed were celebrating Kirk’s death, and several threats were made to various institutions in the wake of the incident.
FBI director Kash Patel emphasized the swiftness of the response from authorities, highlighting that agents were on the scene within minutes of the shooting. The investigation has been scrutinized amid recent criticisms of the FBI regarding political motivations behind internal personnel changes. Notably, previous communications indicated that the FBI had flagged Kirk’s events as potential sites for political violence.
For more information, you can read about the investigation and its implications in further detail.
