In a shocking turn of events, a suspect has been arrested in connection with the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah. Officials confirmed the identity of the suspect as Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old resident of Southern Utah. Utah Governor Spencer Cox revealed that Robinson confessed to his father about his involvement in the crime.
According to reports, Robinson's father recognized his son from photos released by law enforcement and confronted him. During this confrontation, Robinson admitted to being the individual in the images. His father urged him to turn himself in, but Robinson expressed a preference for suicide over facing arrest. This prompted his father to reach out to a family youth pastor, who, along with Robinson's father, attempted to calm him down. The pastor, who also serves as a court security officer, ultimately contacted the U.S. Marshals Service, which led to Robinson's detention.
Robinson was taken into custody late Thursday night, as confirmed by FBI Director Kash Patel. Governor Cox stated his belief that Robinson acted alone in this tragic incident, and reassured the public that there was no immediate threat or additional suspects at large. He expressed gratitude towards the family members of Robinson for their decision to involve law enforcement.
Former President Donald Trump was the first to announce Robinson's arrest during an appearance on Fox and Friends. Reports indicate that a family member informed investigators that Robinson had become increasingly political in recent years, mentioning a dinner conversation where he referenced Kirk's upcoming speaking engagement.
Charlie Kirk, aged 31, was shot while participating in one of his signature Prove Me Wrong debates at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon. The event, part of Turning Point USA’s American Comeback Tour, attracted over 3,000 attendees. Kirk was engaged in a debate about gun violence at the time of the incident when he was tragically shot in the neck. Witnesses reported that only a single shot was fired.
The shot is believed to have originated from the roof of the Losee Center for Student Success, a building on campus housing various services. Following the shooting, the assailant fled the scene, jumping off the building and disappearing into a nearby neighborhood.
Law enforcement officials recovered a high-powered, bolt-action rifle, which they suspect was used in the assassination. Robert Bohls, the FBI special agent in charge of the Salt Lake City field office, stated that the weapon was found wrapped in a dark towel in a wooded area where the shooter escaped. Investigators also examined messages on the messaging platform Discord from an individual named Tyler, which referenced a rifle wrapped in a towel.
Governor Cox revealed that there were peculiar inscriptions found on the spent and unfired bullet casings, including phrases that could be perceived as provocative. While he refrained from interpreting the meanings behind these engravings, he acknowledged that some inscriptions, like "Hey fascist, catch!" were particularly striking.
The arrest followed an earlier incident where two individuals were briefly detained but later released, having no ties to the shooting. One of these individuals was charged with obstruction of justice. Kirk was known for his close affiliation with former President Trump and had a friendship with Donald Trump Jr.
In a statement honoring Kirk, President Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until Sunday evening and announced plans to award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, describing Kirk as a "giant of his generation" and a "champion of liberty." The president also released a video blaming the radical left for the tragic event, a sentiment echoed by various politicians and public figures across the political spectrum.
