"We Got Him": Utah Authorities Arrest Suspected Assassin in Charlie Kirk Assassination

OREM, UT - September 12, 2025

In a dramatic conclusion to a 33-hour manhunt, Utah law enforcement officials announced the arrest of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, the suspected assassin in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The arrest followed a tip from a family member and capped a multi-agency investigation that included the FBI, Utah County Sheriff's Office, and campus police at Utah Valley University (UVU), where the shooting occurred.

Governor Spencer Cox confirmed the arrest Friday morning with a solemn declaration: "Ladies and gentlemen, we got him."

The Shooting That Shook a Nation

Charlie Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative commentator, was shot and killed on Wednesday, September 10, while speaking at UVU as part of his "American Comeback Tour." Kirk was seated under a tent in the campus plaza, engaging students in a live debate, when a single shot rang out. Witnesses described chaos as the crowd of over 3,000 fled for cover.

Surveillance footage later revealed the shooter had fired from a rooftop perch atop the Losee Center building, approximately 200 yards from Kirk's location. The bullet struck Kirk in the neck. He was rushed to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Investigation

Authorities launched an intensive search immediately following the shooting. FBI agents arrived on campus within 16 minutes, deploying fixed-wing aircraft to transport personnel and evidence between Utah and the East Coast for analysis. Investigators recovered a high-powered Mauser Model 98 bolt-action rifle wrapped in a towel in a wooded area north of campus. The weapon featured a mounted scope and chilling inscriptions on its casings, including political slogans and internet slang.

Surveillance video showed a gray Dodge Challenger arriving at UVU around 8:29 a.m. on the morning of the shooting. The suspect, later identified as Tyler Robinson, was seen wearing a maroon T-shirt, light-colored shorts, and a black hat with a white logo.

Robinson's father recognized his son from photos released by law enforcement and contacted a family friend-a youth pastor and U.S. Marshals task force officer-who alerted authorities. Robinson was arrested late Thursday night in St. George, Utah.

Who Is Tyler Robinson?

Robinson briefly attended Utah State University in 2021 as a pre-engineering major. Family members described him as increasingly political in recent years, with a growing disdain for Kirk's views. At a recent family dinner, Robinson reportedly mentioned Kirk's upcoming appearance at UVU and expressed anger toward his rhetoric.

Investigators also uncovered Discord messages between Robinson and his roommate, referencing a rifle drop point, engraved bullets, and surveillance of the shooting location. One casing recovered from the rifle read: "notices, bulges, owO, what's this?"-a phrase associated with internet subcultures and gamer slang.

Charges and Legal Outlook

Robinson is expected to face multiple felony charges, including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, and obstruction of justice. Prosecutors have not yet announced whether they will pursue the death penalty.

Governor Cox praised the swift coordination among agencies and the courage of Robinson's family in coming forward. "We're grateful for everyone who worked together in such a short amount of time to find this person and to bring justice," he said.

National Reaction

President Donald Trump, a close ally of Kirk, announced the arrest during a live appearance on Fox & Friends Friday morning. "I think with a high degree of certainty, we have him in custody," Trump said. He also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff and pledged to attend Kirk's funeral.

The assassination has sparked intense debate across the political spectrum. Supporters mourn Kirk as a bold voice for conservative values, while critics point to his polarizing rhetoric. Utah officials, including Governor Cox, called for a national reckoning on political violence. "Is this the end of a dark chapter in our history-or the beginning of a darker one?" Cox asked during Friday's press conference.

Remembering Charlie Kirk

Charlie Kirk rose to prominence as the founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative student organization known for its viral campus debates and outspoken social media presence. He was married with two young children and had recently spoken about his desire to be remembered for his "courage for his faith."

His death marks one of the most high-profile political assassinations in recent U.S. history and has reignited conversations about security at public events, the role of online radicalization, and the boundaries of political discourse.

What Comes Next

Robinson remains in custody pending arraignment. Investigators continue to analyze digital evidence and interview witnesses. UVU has announced increased security measures for future campus events, and Turning Point USA has suspended its fall tour.

As the legal process unfolds, the nation watches closely-not just for justice, but for answers about how political violence reached a college campus in Utah.