U.S. authorities announced on Friday that they had arrested the man accused of killing well-known conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The suspect, 31-year-old Tyler Robinson, was caught after a member of his own family stepped forward with information that led police to him. His arrest came after a fast-moving manhunt that had gripped the nation.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox spoke at a press conference to confirm the news. “We got him,” he told reporters, adding that Robinson was tracked down after one of his relatives shared what they knew with a friend, who then contacted law enforcement.
The capture gave some relief to a country shaken by the shocking shooting, which many fear will deepen already bitter political divides.
Charlie Kirk was killed on Wednesday while giving a speech to a large audience at Utah Valley University. A single bullet struck him in the neck, and he died soon after. The attack stunned his supporters and sent shockwaves through political circles.
Kirk was an important figure in the American far-right movement. Known for his sharp debating style and energetic speeches, he gained a massive following, especially among young voters. His influence helped Donald Trump build support during his successful election campaign last November.
From the moment of the shooting, Trump treated the case as a national priority. He was the first to announce Kirk’s death publicly and later appeared on Fox News to reveal that the suspect had been caught,speaking even before police gave their official update. Trump also ordered American flags to be flown at half-mast in Kirk’s honor and confirmed that he would personally attend the funeral.
Police recovered a high-powered hunting rifle believed to be the murder weapon soon after the shooting. They also released photos of a young man in a baseball cap and casual clothes, asking the public for help in identifying him.
At first, investigators struggled. Two people were briefly detained but later released when it became clear they had no connection to the crime. By late Thursday, police in Orem gave out new details about the suspect’s clothing and movements after the attack, pleading with citizens to come forward.
Finally, at around 10:00 p.m. Thursday night, about 33 hours after the shooting, FBI Director Kash Patel announced that Robinson had been taken into custody.
Governor Cox explained how the breakthrough happened: “On the evening of September 11th, a family member of Tyler Robinson reached out to a friend. That friend contacted the Washington County sheriff’s office, saying Robinson had either confessed or strongly hinted that he was responsible
At Utah Valley University, students were shocked and frightened. Many said the attack showed how dangerous political tensions have become in the U.S.
One student, 26-year-old Dave Sanchez, told AFP: “It made me sick to my stomach. We watch him all the time, and it feels like losing one of your own family members.”
Hundreds of Kirk’s supporters gathered the next evening at Orem Park for a vigil. Wearing red “Make America Great Again” hats and holding American flags, they prayed together and held a moment of silence. “It still feels insane that this happened,” said Jonathan Silva, 35. “It’s totally surreal.
Governor Cox announced that Utah will seek the death penalty against Robinson, a move strongly supported by President Trump.“I hope he gets the death penalty,” Trump told Fox News.
The political weight of the case was clear when Vice President JD Vance used his official plane, Air Force 2, to carry Kirk’s coffin back to his hometown of Phoenix. Video showed Vance placing his hands on the casket as it was unloaded.
Kirk’s supporters have already begun calling him a “martyr.” In 2012, he co-founded Turning Point USA, an organization that promotes conservative ideas on college campuses. Known for his bold personality and skill in front of the camera, he became a frequent guest on television.
Kirk was also a father of two. Through TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, he built a huge audience. His content often focused on anti-immigration policies, strong support for Christianity, gun rights, and videos of him debating students during campus events.
