Federal and state law enforcement officials have confirmed the arrest of Tyler Robinson, 22, in connection with the fatal shooting of Turning Point USA co-founder and conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
Robinson was apprehended late Thursday night near St. George, Utah, approximately 250 miles southwest of the Orem campus where Kirk was killed. Authorities said Robinson’s father contacted police after his son allegedly confessed to the crime. According to investigators, the father secured his son inside their home and cooperated fully with officers until Robinson was taken into custody around 11:00 p.m. local time.
Rifle and Ammunition Seized
Investigators revealed that a Mauser .30-06 bolt-action rifle was discovered in a wooded area close to the UVU campus. The weapon had been wrapped in a towel. Forensic teams recovered a spent cartridge in the chamber along with three live rounds in the magazine.
Notably, authorities said the rounds bore engravings referencing transgender and antifascist ideology. The rifle and ammunition have been handed over to the FBI for DNA and fingerprint analysis, with additional testing scheduled by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Surveillance Evidence
Surveillance footage reviewed by law enforcement shows a man dressed in all black, walking with a limp, and carrying what appeared to be a concealed rifle. The video, timestamped 11:49 a.m. on Wednesday, captured the suspect just blocks away from the campus. By 11:52 a.m., investigators believe Robinson had reached the university grounds.
Authorities said a single round was fired from the rooftop of an adjacent building, striking Kirk as he spoke to more than 3,000 attendees during a “Prove Me Wrong” debate event in an outdoor courtyard. Students and faculty were seen calmly evacuating as the suspect fled on foot. Additional footage later captured a man running through a residential backyard near campus.
Multiple Agencies Lead Investigation
The FBI and the Utah Department of Public Safety are leading the investigation, working alongside the Utah County Attorney’s Office, the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, and Orem Police Department. The ATF is assisting with forensic and ballistic analysis.
Several individuals were detained or questioned in the hours following the shooting. Authorities confirmed that George Zinn has been charged separately with obstruction of justice, while another man, Zachariah Qureshi, was released after interrogation. Neither is believed to be directly connected to the attack.
Charges and Potential Penalties
At a press conference late Thursday, officials announced that Robinson will face capital charges. Prosecutors are expected to pursue the death penalty if he is convicted.
“This is a tragic moment for Utah and for our country,” a spokesperson for the Utah Department of Public Safety said. “We are committed to bringing full justice in this case.”
Political and Public Response
The assassination has sparked immediate reaction nationwide. Former President Donald Trump called Kirk “a great patriot and friend,” while other leaders across the political spectrum condemned the attack as a threat to civil discourse.
The White House confirmed that Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance will accompany Kirk’s body aboard Air Force Two to his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona.
Utah officials urged calm, asking residents to remain vigilant but not fearful. Anyone struggling with the news has been encouraged to contact the state’s mental health crisis hotline by dialing 988.
Ongoing Appeal for Information
The FBI has established a digital media tip line at fbi.gov/UtahValleyShooting and is urging the public to provide any photos, videos, or eyewitness information related to the case.
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