Suspect in Charlie Kirk Murder Taken Into Custody

UPDATED: 8:30 a.m. 9/12/25

Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect accused of shooting and killing Charlie Kirk, has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, Utah Governor Spencer Cox announced Thursday morning.

Robinson was taken into custody on the evening of September 11 after a family member reached out to a family friend, who then contacted the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

According to Governor Cox, Robinson had confessed to or implied his involvement in the shooting to the family member.

Kirk was shot Wednesday while hosting an event on a college campus in Utah. Officials believe Robinson acted alone in the shooting and say he etched disturbing messages onto the shell casings used during the attack.

Robinson was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, and obstruction of justice.

Authorities have arrested Tyler James Robinson, 22, of Washington County, Utah, in connection with the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.

Investigators say the break in the case came after a family member of Robinson reached out to a friend, saying Robinson had confessed or implied his involvement. That friend then alerted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

The shooting happened during Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour” at UVU, where he was speaking to supporters. Kirk was struck by a single bullet fired in broad daylight from the rooftop of the Losee Center, about 200 yards from the stage.

Law enforcement gathered evidence from surveillance images, video, chat app messages, and ballistics, including inscriptions on bullet casings, to link Robinson to the attack.

Robinson is being held without bail. He faces felony charges including aggravated murder, firearm discharge causing serious injury, and obstruction of justice. Authorities also confirmed Robinson was not a student at UVU.

As Kirk’s supporters and family mourn, Vice President J.D. Vance accompanied Kirk’s widow, Erica, in delivering his casket back to his home state of Arizona.

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