Charlie Kirk Assassination: 22-Year-Old Utah Man Tyler Robinson Taken Into Custody

OREM, Utah — September 12, 2025 —
Authorities say a 22-year-old Utah man has been arrested in connection with the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.

Law enforcement officials identified the suspect as Tyler Robinson, a Utah resident. The arrest took place late Thursday night around 10 p.m. local time, according to U.S. Attorney Patel, who announced the development Friday morning.

Officials said Robinson’s father recognized him in surveillance photos released by the FBI and alerted a local youth pastor for help. The pastor then contacted law enforcement, leading to Robinson’s arrest.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed the news, declaring, “We got him.”

Robinson is accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk, 31, during a campus event on September 10. Investigators believe the suspect fired from a rooftop roughly 200 yards from the stage where Kirk was speaking. Kirk was struck in the head or neck and later pronounced dead at a hospital in Orem.

Authorities previously said they recovered a rifle believed to be the murder weapon, along with footwear impressions, a palm print, and a forearm imprint at the suspected firing position.

Federal prosecutors are expected to file charges of aggravated murder, which in Utah can carry the death penalty. Because of the political nature of the attack, terrorism enhancements and federal weapons charges are also likely.

The FBI and ATF continue to investigate, and prosecutors said more details would be released as Robinson makes his first court appearance.