Salt Lake City (Utah), September 12 (HS): Authorities in Utah have confirmed the arrest of Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The suspect was taken into custody after a family member and a close family friend facilitated his surrender.
Announcing the arrest, Utah Governor Spencer Cox declared, “We got him.” He praised the family’s courage, noting: “A family member reached out to a family friend, who then contacted the Sheriff with information that Robinson had confessed — or strongly implied — his role in the atrocity. I especially want to thank the suspect’s family for doing the right thing in the most difficult of circumstances.”
Cox described Kirk’s killing as a “political assassination … an attack not only on an individual, but on America itself.”
FBI Timeline: “Historic Progress in 33 Hours”
FBI Director Kash Patel, who oversaw parts of the operation, detailed the swift investigation:
- Sept 10, 12:23 PM: Charlie Kirk was shot at Utah Valley University.
- 12:39 PM: FBI agents secured the crime scene within 16 minutes.
- Sept 11, 10:00 AM: First photos of the suspect released.
- 10:45 AM: $100,000 reward announced for information.
- 8:00 PM: Governor Cox released suspect video.
- 10:00 PM: Robinson taken into custody with help from family.
Patel hailed the speed of the arrest: “We have made historic progress for Charlie in just 33 hours. That progress belongs not only to law enforcement, but to the American people.”
Disturbing Evidence
Investigators recovered a bolt-action rifle and engraved bullet casings with bizarre and radical inscriptions:
- “Hey fascist! Catch!”
- “Bella Ciao” — an Italian resistance song reference.
- Meme inscription: “notices bulges OwO what’s this?”
- “If you read this, you are gay lmao.”
Governor Cox said the mix of messages reflected “a chilling combination of Antifa symbolism, parody and trolling consumed by hate.”
Family’s Testimony
According to Governor Cox, Robinson’s family reported that he had grown “more political and openly hostile” toward Charlie Kirk in recent years. At a family dinner, Robinson allegedly said he disliked Kirk and believed he was “full of hate and spreading hate.”
Officials further revealed Robinson confessed to his father before being escorted into custody by relatives and a family friend.
Political Reactions
- Former President Donald Trump posted a tribute, sharing a photo with Kirk and announcing that Kirk would be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously.
- Vice President JD Vance praised the swift action: “This morning we took a big step in securing justice for Charlie. Thanks be to God for that.”
Governor’s Emotional Appeal
Governor Cox, visibly moved, admitted: “I have been as angry and as sad as I have ever been. But Charlie’s words brought me back: ‘When people stop talking, that’s when you get violence.’”
He appealed to America’s youth: “You are inheriting a country where politics feels like rage. But your generation has an opportunity to build a different culture — one based in hard conversations, not hatred.”
Next Steps
Robinson, a resident of Washington County, Utah, is not a student of Utah Valley University. He is currently lodged in Utah County Jail. Charging documents are expected early next week.
Governor Cox concluded: “One person is responsible for what happened here, and that person is now in custody. Justice for Charlie and his family is coming.”
— Source: Hindusthan Samachar
