The governor of Utah on Friday named Tyler Robinson as the suspect in the assassination of United States right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, a killing that shook the nation and triggered a massive manhunt.
“We got him,” Utah Governor Spencer Cox announced at a press conference, confirming the 33-hour chase had ended.
Robinson was arrested after a family member told a friend about his alleged confession, which was then passed to law enforcement. “On the evening of September 11th, a family member of Tyler Robinson reached out to a family friend, who contacted the Washington County sheriff’s office with information that Robinson had confessed to them or implied that he had committed the incident,” Cox said.
US President Donald Trump broke the news of the arrest earlier, saying, “Somebody very close to him turned him in.” He described Kirk’s death as “a devastating loss” and vowed that the suspect would face the “highest form of punishment,” calling for the death penalty.
Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck while addressing a packed auditorium at Utah Valley University in Orem on Wednesday. The attack, carried out with a high-powered hunting rifle, left students and supporters in shock. Dave Sanchez, a 26-year-old attendee, said, “We watch him all the time and so it really does feel like one of your own family members, your own brother’s been killed.”
Authorities said the motive for the killing remains unclear, but disturbing details emerged from the crime scene. Anti-fascist slogans were written on two unused bullet casings. One read, “Hey, fascist! Catch!” while another carried “Bella ciao,” a nod to a World War II Italian anti-fascist anthem. Other cartridges carried markings linked to online gaming culture.
After 33 tense hours, the FBI and police tracked Robinson down. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrest was made at 10:00 pm Thursday. Photos released earlier had shown the suspect in a baseball cap and casual clothes, sparking widespread tips from the public.
The killing has underscored America’s deep political divisions. Hundreds gathered at Orem Park on Thursday night, many wearing red MAGA caps, waving flags, and holding a silent vigil. Jonathan Silva, 35, who attended the gathering, said, “It still feels insane that this happened. It’s totally surreal.”
Kirk’s influence on the US right wing was significant. As co-founder of Turning Point USA, he became a key voice for Trump’s conservative youth movement. His social media presence on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube amplified his hardline stances on immigration, gun rights, and Christianity. Supporters have since hailed him as a martyr.
His coffin was transported to Phoenix, Arizona, on Vice President JD Vance’s official plane. Footage showed Vance placing his hands on the casket as it was carried aboard Air Force 2. Trump has said he will attend the funeral.
Flags remain at half-mast nationwide as investigations continue.
