Authorities have arrested 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson in connection with the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Officials confirmed the arrest on Friday, following an intensive manhunt that gripped the state of Utah.
Investigators said Robinson was tracked down after a family member tipped off law enforcement, revealing that he had allegedly confessed or hinted at his role in the attack. He was taken into custody in Washington County, several hours away from the crime scene in Orem.
Kirk was shot from a rooftop about 200 yards away while addressing students at Utah Valley University earlier this week. Law enforcement recovered a .30-caliber bolt-action rifle believed to be the murder weapon, along with live rounds, spent shells, and surveillance footage showing someone fleeing the roof moments after the attack.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox praised the suspect’s family for their cooperation, while President Donald Trump described the incident as a “heinous assassination,” saying there was a “high degree of certainty” Robinson was the gunman. The FBI and local authorities continue to investigate Robinson’s digital trail, including online messages that allegedly referenced his dislike of Kirk’s views.
