Authorities have confirmed that Tyler James Robinson has been arrested in connection with the assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Robinson confessed to a family member, who then told a friend. Sgt. Lucas Alfred of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office said Robinson “turned himself in to us,” though other reports indicate family members confronted him before he surrendered.
The Suspect: A Quiet, Gifted Student with a Dark Side
Tyler James Robinson, 22, of Washington, Utah, was arrested early September 12 — two days after Kirk, 31, was fatally shot in the neck during a public appearance at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem.
Neighbors told USA Today they were stunned, saying they would have “never expected” Robinson to commit such a crime, citing his quiet demeanor and academic achievements.
- Identity: Tyler James Robinson, 22, of Washington, Utah.
- Education: Robinson was listed as a third-year student at Dixie Technical College in St. George. Officials confirmed he had previously attended but was no longer enrolled at Utah Valley University.
- Background: Court records show no prior misdemeanor or felony convictions — voter registration lists him as unaffiliated; his parents are registered Republicans.
- Neighbors: Described him as quiet, musical, and academically gifted. “He was always very quiet, had just a few friends … very smart,” said longtime neighbor Kristin Schwiermann. Another neighbor said he often seemed introverted or “off,” USA Today reported.
The Arrest: Family Intervention
Robinson was arrested around 4 a.m. on September 12 in Washington County and booked into Utah County Jail by 7:15 a.m.
He faces three felony charges, according to Utah County court records:
- Aggravated murder — capital/first-degree felony
- Obstruction of justice — capital/first-degree felony conduct
- Felony discharge of a firearm — causing serious bodily injury
Authorities said Robinson acted alone.
According to reporting in the New York Post, Robinson’s father recognized him in surveillance photos, confronted him, and Robinson allegedly threatened suicide before being persuaded to surrender with the help of a youth minister linked to federal law enforcement.
The Shooting: A Calculated Attack with Symbolic Casings
Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and an ally of President Donald Trump, was shot on September 10 while addressing roughly 3,000 people at UVU.
Investigators recovered a Mauser M98 bolt-action hunting rifle with a scope near the campus. Several spent and unfired bullet casings were inscribed with messages including “hey fascist! catch!,” “bella ciao,” “notices bulges,” and leftist Antifa-aligned messaging.
Official Reactions: Call to End Political Violence
Cox urged Americans to reject political violence, saying: “This is our moment. Do we escalate or do we find an off-ramp?” He also said relatives told investigators Robinson had become “more political” and expressed dislike for Kirk at a family dinner.
FBI Director Kash Patel called Kirk a personal friend and praised law enforcement: “Rest now, brother. We have the watch, and I’ll see you in Valhalla.”