Cliff Notes
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Suspect Arrested: Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old, has been arrested for the shooting of Charlie Kirk, after being reported by a family member, believed to be his father.
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Political Motivation: Messages found with the weapon suggest Robinson had political motivations, viewing Kirk as “full of hate.”
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Charges Pending: Robinson faces serious charges, including aggravated murder, and is expected to make his initial court appearance next week.
Charlie Kirk suspect arrested after tip-off from father | US News
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US officials have confirmed the suspect in the killing of Charlie Kirk has been arrested and identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson.
Utah governor Spencer Cox started a news conference with the phrase “we got him”, adding that a member of Robinson’s family alerted authorities. It has been widely reported that Robinson’s father had turned him in.
The details broadly match information released by US President Donald Trump earlier on Fox News.
Explainer: All we know about the suspect
Mr Kirk, 31, a Trump supporter and right-wing influencer, was fatally shot in the neck on Wednesday afternoon while speaking to university students at an event in Utah.
Two people were previously arrested and then released, with officials saying they were only persons of interest.
FBI director Kash Patel, who also spoke at the news conference, confirmed the suspect was taken into custody on Thursday at 10pm local time (5am UK time).
He praised Mr Cox and Mr Trump for their support and finished with a message for Charlie Kirk: “To my friend Charlie Kirk. Rest now, brother. We have the watch and I’ll see you in Valhalla.”
Robinson believed Kirk was ‘full of hate’
Mr Cox described how messages between Tyler Robinson and his roommate revealed information about the alleged plot including details about a rifle, matching the description of the weapon recovered after the shooting.
Bullets with messages inscribed on the casings were also discovered with the rifle, including “Hey fascist! Catch!” and “If you read this, you are gay, LMAO”.
Explainer: How Charlie Kirk was killed
Mr Cox said a family member told officials that Robinson “had become more political in recent years” and had criticised Charlie Kirk, adding that Robinson said Mr Kirk was “full of hate and spreading hate”.
Robinson ‘confessed’ to killing
Utah’s governor said a family member reached out to a friend, who contacted authorities on Thursday with information that Robinson had confessed or implied that he carried out the shooting.
Sky’s US partner network NBC News reports the family member was Robinson’s father, who went to a church minister, who then contacted a local sheriff.
Mr Cox said he thought Robinson acted alone and there was no evidence anyone else was involved, but did not speculate on a potential motive. He added that Robinson had been living for a long time with his family in Washington County, in southwest Utah.
Neighbour: He was ‘smart’ and ‘quiet’
Kristin Schwiermann, a neighbour of the suspect’s family, said he was “smart”, “quiet” and “never caused any problems”.
“I am shocked, very shocked,” she said. “I feel for his mom. She’s a great mom, and he has a great dad.”
At the time of the shooting, Robinson was a third-year student on the electrical apprenticeship programme at Dixie Technical College in Utah.
He previously earned a four-year scholarship to Utah State University, but left after one semester in 2021.
Robinson did not appear to have any criminal history, according to state records. He was a registered voter but was
not affiliated with a political party, according to voter records.
Mr Kirk was the president and co-founder of Turning Point USA, a prominent organisation that engages conservative youth on school campuses.
The father of two, who had millions of followers across social media, appeared at Utah Valley University on Wednesday as part of a planned tour of US college campuses.
Vigil for Kirk held in London
A vigil for Mr Kirk was held at the Montgomery Statue in Whitehall, in central London, on Friday night.
The sombre event was organised by Turning Point UK, the British branch of Kirk’s right-wing youth political organisation.
“Charlie Kirk laid his life down for young people,” said Maisey.
While Jade, wearing a Make America Great Again hat with “RIP Charlie Kirk” written on it, said: “I was very, very sad when I heard the news. I didn’t agree with everything he said but that’s OK! I’m just sad I never got to meet him.”
Turning Point UK’s chief executive Jack Ross told the crowd: “Charlie Kirk has a fantastic legacy and he did so much to shape politics in the West. He stood up for free speech, he stood up for what’s right and we demand justice.
“Charlie was not killed because he talked. He was killed because people listened.”
Charges expected next week
Robinson is due to make an initial court appearance next Tuesday, when he is also expected to be charged, the Utah County attorney’s office said.
He is being held without bail after being arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm and obstruction of justice charges, according to a court affidavit.
‘Big breakthrough’, says Vance
Mr Kirk’s body was flown back from Salt Lake City to his home state of Arizona on Air Force Two on Thursday, with the US vice president and close friend JD Vance on board.
On Friday, Mr Vance posted on X that the arrest was a “big breakthrough”. He added: “We took a big step this morning in getting justice for Charlie, and for his family.”
Mr Trump said he plans to attend Mr Kirk’s funeral, although no date has yet been set.
