Charlie Kirk’s Suspected Killer Arrested After Confessing to Father

Utah, USA – September 13, 2025

A 22-year-old Utah man has been taken into custody in connection with the fatal shooting of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, who was gunned down on stage during a university event earlier this week.

The suspect, identified as Tyler Robinson, was arrested late Thursday following a 33-hour manhunt. Authorities say the arrest came after Robinson confessed to his father, who helped persuade him to surrender.

News of the arrest was first shared by U.S. President Donald Trump, who called for the death penalty in the case.

Kirk, known for his polarizing political views, was shot while participating in a campus debate at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon. The killing shocked the nation and intensified ongoing concerns about political violence in the U.S.

At a Friday press conference, investigators said Robinson had told his father he would rather take his own life than be captured. The father then contacted a family friend  a youth pastor who also works as a court security officer  for help. Together, they spoke with Robinson in an effort to calm him down before the pastor alerted U.S. Marshals. Robinson was arrested around 10:00 p.m. local time in Washington County.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox revealed that surveillance footage showed the suspect arriving on the UVU campus nearly four hours before the shooting occurred. When taken into custody, Robinson was reportedly wearing clothing that matched CCTV footage from the scene.

Authorities say Robinson had been exhibiting increasingly political behavior in recent years. A family member told investigators that the suspect had spoken of Kirk’s visit to Utah and described him as “full of hate and spreading hate.”

Police also interviewed Robinson’s roommate, who showed investigators Discord messages allegedly sent from Robinson. The messages referenced retrieving a rifle from a “drop point” and described it as being hidden in a bush, wrapped in a towel.

The FBI confirmed on Thursday that the suspected weapon a Mauser .30-06 bolt-action rifle with a mounted scope was found wrapped in a towel in a wooded area near the campus. Investigators also discovered engraved inscriptions on shell casings, including phrases like “Hey fascist! CATCH!” and “O Bella ciao, Bella ciao” — a reference to the Italian anti-fascist anthem.

As of Friday, no other arrests have been made. Governor Cox said he was unaware of any additional suspects at this time.

State prosecutors are expected to formally charge Robinson on Tuesday. According to a Utah County Sheriff’s Office booking sheet, he faces multiple charges including aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and felony discharge of a firearm.

Utah Valley University remains closed since the shooting, with heavy police presence still on campus. Students expressed both relief and sorrow after hearing about the arrest.

“I’m definitely relieved,” said Anthony Shinkle, a UVU student. “But I’m anxious to understand why this happened.”

Public records reviewed by the BBC indicate Robinson is registered as an unaffiliated voter in Utah and did not vote in the last presidential election. His parents are registered Republicans and the family is active in the Mormon church.

Robinson, a third-year electrical apprentice at Dixie Technical College, lives in St. George, Utah roughly 250 miles southwest of the UVU campus.