Washington/Orem, Utah | Sept 14, 2025: Police have arrested Tyler Robinson, 22, on suspicion of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University (UVU). Investigators say a single round was fired from an elevated position; a bolt-action rifle believed to be the murder weapon was recovered near the scene, according to major U.S. outlets.
Officials said the arrest capped a 33-hour manhunt launched after relatives tipped authorities that Robinson resembled images released by law enforcement. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Robinson is being held on suspicion of aggravated murder; formal charges are expected soon, U.S. media reported.
The FBI said it is working alongside state and local partners on the case; the bureau had earlier publicized photos and a reward appeal as part of the investigation into the Sept. 10 campus shooting in Orem.
Kirk, 31, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was speaking at a UVU event when he was struck and fatally wounded, according to timeline reconstructions published by national outlets.
In the aftermath, fact-checkers warned of a surge in misinformation about the suspect’s identity and political affiliations, noting several widely shared posts were false or misattributed.
Public reactions have been intense. Kirk’s widow Erika Kirk delivered emotional remarks vowing to carry forward his work, while former President Donald Trump publicly condemned the killing and said an arrest had been made, U.S. media reported.
What’s next: Prosecutors are preparing charges while investigators continue to review forensic evidence and digital traces connected to the suspect. Authorities have not announced a motive.
Sources: ABC News, CBS News, Associated Press (timeline and fact-check), The Guardian, and the FBI.
