President Donald Trump has confirmed that the suspect in the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk is in custody.
Here is everything we know about the suspect...
The suspect has now been identified as Tyler Robinson, who is believed to be 22 years old and a local from Utah.
Confirming that he was now in custody, Trump stated on Friday, "I think, with a high degree of certainty, we have him."
The announcement came as Trump spoke on Fox News, revealing that someone close to the suspect had turned him in.
Trump added that Robinson’s father reportedly drove him to a police station, where he was handed over to authorities.
Trump further commented, "I hope he’s going to be found guilty and I hope he gets the death penalty for what he did."
In a press conference held by the FBI on Friday, further details about the suspect were revealed.
Robinson’s father recognized him in the photographs released by law enforcement and encouraged him to turn himself in.
Initially, Robinson resisted, but later agreed to surrender. The father then reached out to a youth pastor who is also a U.S. Marshals task force officer.
The officer advised Robinson’s father to have his son remain where he was until authorities arrived.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox described Robinson as someone who had become more politically active in recent years.
Cox noted that Robinson had even discussed Kirk's visit to Utah Valley University (UVU) the night before the shooting with a family member.
In a press briefing, Cox also provided details about the engraving found on shell casings at the crime scene, saying the first casing had a message reading, "Notices Bulge OWO what's this??," and others contained political phrases like "Hey fascist! CATCH!" and "O Bella ciao, Bella ciao, Bella ciao, Ciao, ciao!".
The investigation into Robinson’s actions uncovered messages between him and his roommate. These texts detailed the preparation for the shooting, including references to retrieving a rifle from a drop point and leaving it in a bush.
Cox explained that these messages mentioned the rifle's scope, its unique nature, and even referred to changing outfits.
Authorities also confirmed that Robinson arrived at the campus in a gray Dodge Challenger, matching the vehicle seen at the scene.
FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the speed with which Robinson was apprehended, stating, "We caught him within 33 hours of the shooting, and we were on the scene within 16 minutes."
Patel confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing and that law enforcement will continue to work with state and local authorities to gather evidence for the prosecution.
The weapon believed to be used in the shooting, a Mauser .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle, was found discarded in a wooded area near UVU.
Investigators have sent the rifle to the FBI laboratory for advanced forensic analysis, including fingerprint and DNA testing.
Law enforcement has also gathered footwear impressions, palm prints, and forearm prints for further investigation. The FBI’s efforts have already yielded over 7,000 tips and about 200 interviews.
Law enforcement officials said they believe the shooting was planned in detail, with Robinson discarding the rifle and taking steps to avoid being seen while fleeing the scene.
This included leaving the weapon wrapped in a towel, a precaution likely taken to avoid being seen carrying it through the neighborhood.
During the investigation, authorities released video footage showing Robinson jumping off a rooftop after firing the shot.
Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason confirmed that investigators had tracked Robinson’s movements on the campus, following him through stairwells and across the roof before the shooting occurred.
Trump has described Kirk as "the finest person" who did not deserve to be killed. The president also stated, "Everybody liked him," emphasizing the positive impact Kirk had made in the conservative community.
The shooting occurred on September 10, 2025, while Kirk was addressing a group of university students at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. During a Q&A session, Kirk was struck in the neck by a single shot.
He was rushed to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Following the shooting, law enforcement officials detained two individuals, but both were released after being questioned.
Authorities later shared images and video footage of Robinson fleeing the scene after the shooting. A reward of $100,000 was offered for information leading to the suspect’s capture.
In a follow-up statement, Trump speculated about whether the suspect was part of a larger network, saying, “Seems to be. Well, you don’t know, I mean, you don’t know.”
The investigation continues to uncover further details about the shooting.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox has announced that the state will be pursuing the death penalty in this case, should Robinson be found guilty.
Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was known for his prominent role in engaging conservative youth across the country. His death has sparked widespread outrage and grief among his followers and political allies.
Kirk’s body was transported back to his home state of Arizona on Air Force Two, with Vice President and close friend JD Vance accompanying him. President Trump has also stated that he plans to attend the funeral, although a date has yet to be set.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge as authorities work to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this tragic event.