SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Authorities have apprehended Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah resident, in connection with the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The arrest followed a multi-day manhunt that captivated the nation and generated thousands of tips from the public. Governor Spencer Cox of Utah announced Robinson's capture on Friday, confirming that the suspect was taken into custody after a family member provided crucial information to investigators.
The investigation gained significant momentum when a family member of Robinson contacted a friend, who then alerted the Washington County Sheriff's Office. This tip indicated that Robinson had either confessed to or implied his involvement in the shooting. Further details emerged from a news conference where Governor Cox detailed how surveillance footage identified Robinson arriving on the Utah Valley University campus in a gray Dodge Challenger on the morning of the incident. He was later seen on video running across rooftops and jumping to the ground before fleeing the scene.
Investigators also interviewed Robinson's roommate, who provided access to Discord messages. These messages, reportedly from an account belonging to Robinson, discussed retrieving a rifle from a "drop point" and engraving bullets. The rifle, described as a high-powered bolt-action model, was later recovered in a wooded area near where the shooter fled. Bullet casings found at the scene reportedly bore inscriptions such as "Hey fascist! Catch!" and "O bella ciao…"
Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative media personality and ally of former President Donald Trump, was fatally shot on Wednesday while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. Witnesses reported that Kirk was shot during a debate with an audience member about gun violence, with only one shot fired. Kirk, 31, was taken to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
Robinson is currently being held at the Utah County jail, facing initial charges that are expected to include aggravated murder and weapons offenses. Governor Cox has stated that prosecutors intend to pursue the death penalty. The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation, though officials believe Robinson acted alone. The incident has sparked discussions about political discourse and public safety across the United States.
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