- Suspect: Tyler Robinson, 22, from Utah, arrested on September 12, 2025.
- Arrest followed tip from family member, reportedly his father.
- FBI confirms arrest but has not disclosed motive or affiliations.
- Utah Governor says Robinson had grown more political and criticized Kirk.
- Previously attended Utah State University for one semester in 2021.
- Registered nonpartisan voter; parents are Republicans.
- Shell casings bore inscriptions linked to trolling jokes and anti-fascist themes.
- Suspected of being active on Discord, with messages tied to weapons.
- Remains in custody as prosecutors prepare charges.
- Case considered one of the most significant political killings in recent US history.
Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, a Utah native who had been living with his parents.
Robinson was arrested on September 12, 2025, after a family member recognized him in surveillance footage linked to the attack. Reports indicate it was his father who encouraged him to surrender and alerted a family friend, who then contacted law enforcement.
While FBI officials confirmed Robinson’s arrest, they declined to discuss his political leanings or possible motive, stressing that investigations are still ongoing. Utah Governor Spencer Cox revealed that relatives told investigators Robinson had become increasingly political in recent years and had openly criticized Kirk before the attack.
Records suggest Robinson previously attended Utah State University for one semester in 2021 and had registered as a nonpartisan voter, while his parents are registered Republicans. He was not affiliated with Utah Valley University, the site of the shooting.
Investigators also found inscriptions on shell casings linked to the case, ranging from online trolling jokes to anti-fascist slogans and lyrics from “Bella Ciao,” a resistance song. Authorities are also probing Robinson’s alleged activity on Discord, where messages tied to him referenced weapons and hiding places.
Robinson is currently in custody as prosecutors prepare formal charges in what officials describe as one of the most significant political killings in recent US history.
