On Friday, Utah Governor Spencer Cox announced that Tyler Robinson has been identified as the suspect in the fatal shooting of prominent US right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, following an intensive manhunt.
“We got him,” Governor Cox declared during a press conference, confirming the arrest. The breakthrough came after one of Robinson’s relatives reached out to a friend, who then contacted law enforcement.
The arrest has rekindled hopes across a deeply divided nation for answers in the shocking political assassination that occurred Wednesday.
Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot once in the neck while addressing a large crowd at Utah Valley University in Orem. Known for his electrifying presence within the far-right movement, Kirk built a substantial following, notably helping Donald Trump mobilize the youth vote during last November’s election.
President Trump quickly elevated the killing to a matter of national urgency, ordering flags to be flown at half-mast and announcing his intention to attend Kirk’s funeral.
Though fiercely polarizing due to his hardline stances on race, gender, gun rights, and accusations of antisemitism, Kirk earned grudging respect even from critics for his willingness to debate opponents publicly.
While officials have yet to determine a clear motive, Governor Cox revealed that anti-fascist slogans were inscribed on two of the unused bullet casings found at the scene. One read, “Hey, fascist! Catch!” and another bore the phrase “Bella ciao,” referencing the iconic Italian anti-fascist song from World War II. Additional cartridges displayed symbols linked to online gaming culture.
Manhunt culminates after 33 hours
The suspect was arrested approximately 33 hours after the shooting. Authorities swiftly located the murder weapon, a high-powered hunting rifle, and circulated photos of a young man in casual attire and a baseball cap.
However, the investigation faced challenges after two unrelated individuals were initially detained and released. Authorities sought the public’s assistance, releasing more detailed descriptions of the suspect’s movements shortly after the shooting.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrest took place at 10:00 p.m. Thursday, with Governor Cox crediting the arrest to the suspect’s own family.
“On the evening of September 11th, a family member of Tyler Robinson reached out to a family friend, who then informed the Washington County sheriff’s office that Robinson had either confessed or implied involvement in the incident,” Cox said.
Students at Utah Valley University expressed shock and fear as political divisions in the country continue to deepen. “Watching it happen made me sick to my stomach,” said 26-year-old Dave Sanchez. “We watch him all the time—it feels like losing a family member, like losing a brother.”
On Thursday evening, several hundred people wearing red MAGA hats gathered at Orem Park, holding American flags, praying, and observing a moment of silence. “It still feels insane that this happened,” said Jonathan Silva, 35. “It’s totally surreal.”
Calls for the death penalty and national mourning
Former President Trump called for the death penalty to be sought against Robinson.
Reflecting the political significance of the case, Kirk’s coffin was transported to his hometown of Phoenix aboard Vice President JD Vance’s official plane. Footage captured Vance placing his hands reverently on the casket as it was loaded onto Air Force Two.
Kirk, hailed by supporters as a martyr, co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 with the goal of promoting conservative values among young Americans. His charismatic presence made him a frequent spokesperson on television networks.
A father of two, Kirk used platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to champion anti-immigration policies, outspoken Christianity, and gun rights, often sharing carefully edited clips of his debates at college events.
