Utah officials have confirmed the arrest of Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old resident, in connection with the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. President Donald Trump first hinted at the breakthrough during a Fox & Friends appearance, noting with “a high degree of certainty” that the suspect had been identified. Utah Governor Spencer Cox later confirmed Robinson’s arrest, declaring, “We got him.” According to Cox, Robinson’s own father tipped off law enforcement after hearing his son confess.
Investigators revealed that Robinson’s family described him as having grown increasingly political in recent years. At a dinner, he allegedly expressed contempt for Kirk, accusing him of “spreading hate.” Authorities later discovered bullets in Robinson’s rifle engraved with political slogans, including one that read, “Hey fascist! Catch!”—a phrase frequently used by Democrats against Trump and his supporters. Governor Cox announced that the state intends to pursue the death penalty.
Before the arrest, investigators faced difficulties. Initial video footage of the suspect showed him fleeing across rooftops and fields but did not reveal his identity. The FBI released photos of the man in dark sunglasses, a cap, and a black T-shirt with an American flag, hoping the public might help. Despite these efforts, the case remained unsolved until Robinson’s father came forward and held him until police arrived Thursday night near St. George, Utah, more than three hours from the shooting site.
Law enforcement officials confirmed they recovered what they believe to be the murder weapon—a .30 caliber hunting rifle—hidden in nearby woods. Investigators also uncovered Robinson’s Discord messages, in which he described retrieving the rifle from a “drop point” and leaving it in a bush. Three bullets found in the weapon bore crude engravings: one targeting “fascists,” another mocking the victim with vulgar language, and a third referencing Bella Ciao, a song associated with left-wing revolutionary movements.
Commissioner Beau Mason of the Utah Department of Public Safety stated that authorities meticulously traced Robinson’s movements on and off campus, piecing together surveillance and witness reports. While the investigation remains ongoing, Governor Cox emphasized that Robinson acted alone and no further arrests are expected. The swift arrest, made possible by the suspect’s own family, closes one chapter in a case that has shocked the nation and rallied conservatives against political violence.