Authorities Arrest, Identify Suspected Charlie Kirk Assassin

RNN Staff September 12, 2025

Utah officials and the FBI confirmed Friday morning that the man suspected of assassinating conservative leader Charlie Kirk has been arrested and taken into custody.

Governor Spencer Cox (R-UT) announced that 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was apprehended Thursday night after allegedly confessing or strongly implying to a family member that he carried out the killing. According to Cox, Robinson had recently expressed disdain for Kirk during family conversations, accusing him of “spreading hate,” and had noted at a recent dinner that Kirk was scheduled to speak at Utah Valley University.

“They talked about why they didn’t like him and the viewpoints that he had,” Cox said. “The family member also stated Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate.”

Robinson, who lived with his family in Washington County in southern Utah, was not a student at Utah Valley University. He was arrested around 10:00 p.m. local time on Thursday after a family member raised concerns to a family friend, who then relayed the information to law enforcement.

Surveillance and digital evidence quickly tied Robinson to the crime. Authorities said security footage captured him arriving on campus in a gray Dodge Challenger — a vehicle later confirmed by relatives as belonging to Robinson. Investigators also reviewed Discord messages sent from an account under Robinson’s name, in which he referenced retrieving a rifle from a “drop point” and later stashing it in a bush.

A bolt-action rifle with a scope was recovered hidden near the scene, exactly where Robinson had described. Authorities added that Robinson had messaged about changing outfits after the shooting.

Governor Cox revealed that the rifle’s ammunition had bizarre engravings, including references to internet memes, video games, and antifascist slogans. Phrases included:

“Notices Bulges OwO what’s this?” (a meme from furry subculture)
“^>VVV” (a call-down code for a bomb strike in Helldivers 2)
Lyrics from “Bella Ciao,” an Italian anti-fascist anthem
“If you read this you are gay LMAO”
“Hey fascist! Catch!”

The findings suggest a mix of political radicalism and nihilistic online culture but did not include references to transgender ideology, despite earlier speculative reports.

FBI Director Kash Patel and Utah County Sheriff Mike Smith both praised the public’s role in helping secure Robinson’s arrest. Smith credited “prayers, patience, and support” from the community as critical to the investigation’s success.

Patel said the probe remains active, while Cox indicated that formal charging documents will likely be filed next week. Both Cox and President Donald Trump have publicly called for the death penalty if Robinson is convicted. Utah remains one of the few states where capital punishment is still in force.

“Charlie Kirk was a warrior, a patriot, and a voice for millions,” Trump said earlier Friday. “Justice must be done — and it must be final.”

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