Just over a day after the high-profile shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on the campus of Utah Valley University, authorities announced the arrest of a suspect. He was identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson. Sources say that his own relative played a decisive role in the arrest, reporting the young man’s confession in a private conversation.
Charlie Kirk Murder: how the suspect was arrested
Utah Governor Spencer Cox told reporters at a press briefing: “We got him.” According to him, Robinson confessed to the murder to a family friend or directly hinted at his involvement. The friend immediately contacted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, which became a turning point in the investigation.
The FBI confirmed that Robinson was taken into custody Thursday evening, about 33 hours after the shooting that took Kirk’s life. At a press conference, FBI Director Cash Patel said that at the moment, the investigation is proceeding from the version that the detainee acted alone.
Correspondence and evidence
Robinson’s messages on Discord, a popular youth communication platform, attracted particular attention. In the correspondence, he wrote about taking a rifle from a “drop point” and then hiding it in the bushes, wrapped in a towel. This is the exact weapon that was found near the scene of the attack.
Authorities also released the first photos of Robinson taken by police after his arrest.
Engravings on the ammunition
Additional details caused a public outcry. The shell casings found near the rifle were engraved with the words “Hey, fascist, catch!”, a line from the Italian song “Bella Ciao”, and an offensive comment about homosexuality. Governor Cox noted: “I think the most direct inscription speaks for itself. The rest is up to journalists and the public to interpret.”
Who is Tyler Robinson
It is known that the suspect is from Utah and lived with his family in Washington County. Although the shooting took place on the campus of Utah Valley University, he was not a student there. On the day of the shooting, Robinson arrived on campus in a gray Dodge Challenger.
Relatives told investigators that he had become more political in recent years and had spoken disparagingly of Charlie Kirk.
Government response
Utah’s governor called Kirk’s murder “an attack on the American experiment,” and said, “It’s an attack on our ideals and on the ability to freely discuss ideas, even those you disagree with.”
Utah County Sheriff Mike Smith thanked residents for their support: “The prayers and positive community spirit have helped us get through this ordeal.”
