Authorities have apprehended the individual they believe is responsible for the tragic shooting and killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during an event at a Utah university campus. The suspect, identified as Tyler Robinson, 22, was taken into custody on Friday in St. George, Utah, as confirmed by law enforcement officials and sources to ABC News.
Robinson's father played a crucial role in his apprehension after he recognized his son as the suspect sought by police. Following the release of photographs by authorities, he urged Robinson to turn himself in. Initially reluctant, Robinson eventually agreed, prompting his father to contact a youth pastor who is also a U.S. Marshals task force officer for guidance. The officer advised the father to have Robinson remain in place until law enforcement arrived.
During a press conference, Utah Governor Spencer Cox revealed that Robinson had become increasingly politically engaged in recent years. He noted that Robinson had discussed Kirk's visit to the Utah Valley University campus with a family member the night prior to the shooting. Governor Cox also detailed disturbing engravings found on the shell casings at the crime scene, including messages that appeared to taunt and insult political opponents.
As law enforcement identified Robinson, they interviewed his roommate, who provided insight into conversations between them. The messages revealed plans to retrieve a rifle from a drop point, indicating that Robinson had previously left the weapon in a bush. Additionally, discussions about the rifle's unique features, including engravings and scope specifications, were uncovered. Robinson was seen arriving on campus in a gray Dodge Challenger, which matched the vehicle he used during the attack.
FBI Director Kash Patel praised the swift actions of law enforcement, stating that they apprehended Robinson within 33 hours of the shooting and were on the scene within just 16 minutes. He emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation, as authorities continue to collaborate with state and local agencies to gather evidence for potential prosecutions.
President Donald Trump announced the arrest during an appearance on Fox and Friends, expressing confidence in the apprehension of the suspect. On Thursday evening, officials released video footage showing the person of interest jumping from a campus building. Beau Mason, commissioner of the Utah Department of Public Safety, highlighted distinct clothing worn by the suspect, which included Converse sneakers, facilitating identification.
Authorities believe they have recovered the weapon used in the shooting, described as a high-powered bolt-action rifle. Governor Cox referred to the tragic event as a "political assassination," and investigators are analyzing the weapon for fingerprints and DNA evidence at an FBI laboratory. The rifle, a Mauser .30-06 caliber model, was found wrapped in a towel in a wooded area near the university, with a spent cartridge in its chamber.
In their pursuit of justice, the FBI has released surveillance images of the suspect, described as a white male dressed in dark clothing. A reward of $100,000 has been offered for information leading to the suspect's capture, highlighting the urgency of the investigation.
Investigators are meticulously examining video footage of the shooting and tracking the suspect's movements on campus before and after the incident. The analysis of shoe impressions, palm prints, and other forensic evidence could be critical in determining the suspect's identity and background. Experts suggest that the precise execution of the shooting indicates potential prior training, raising concerns about the individual’s familiarity with firearms.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are focusing on identifying the source of the weapon and assessing any connections the suspect may have to the local area. The community remains on high alert as law enforcement works diligently to ensure justice is served for Charlie Kirk and to prevent future incidents of this nature.
