Authorities have identified and arrested Tyler James Robinson, 22, of Utah, in connection with the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox confirmed the arrest Friday, saying Robinson is believed to have acted alone. “We got him,” Cox told reporters.
Investigators said family members helped lead authorities to Robinson after recognizing him and contacting law enforcement. Officials had been pursuing thousands of tips and reviewing surveillance video released during the manhunt.
Kirk, 31, was shot while speaking to an audience of more than 3,000 people on campus. A rifle was recovered during the investigation, and officials appealed to the public for images and video before announcing Friday’s arrest.
Gov. Cox called the killing a political assassination and urged unity, warning about the broader dangers of political rage and the role of social media. “This is our moment” to reject political violence, he said.
Kirk’s remains were flown aboard Air Force Two to Arizona on Thursday. Vice President JD Vance accompanied the casket. Services are expected next weekend.
Authorities say Robinson is a Utah resident who had recently expressed political views and mentioned Kirk’s campus appearance in the days before the event. Utah State University said Robinson briefly attended in 2021. He was not enrolled at Utah Valley University.
Robinson remains in custody while investigators continue gathering forensic evidence, social media materials, and community submissions. The FBI previously offered a $100,000 reward for information that led to the identification and arrest.
Stay with Reel 360 for updates as this story develops.
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Charlie Kirk shot and killed at Utah Valley University event
