Salt Lake City, Sept. 12 — U.S. authorities announced Friday the capture of the man accused of fatally shooting right-wing activist Charlie Kirk during a campus speech in Utah, following a frantic nationwide manhunt.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed the arrest at a press briefing, identifying the suspect as Tyler Robinson. Officials said Robinson was turned in after a relative alerted a family friend, who then contacted law enforcement.
“We got him,” Cox told reporters.
The arrest came 33 hours after Kirk, 31, was shot once in the neck while addressing a packed audience at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. The incident stunned the nation and intensified already deep political divisions.
Former President Donald Trump, who has called the case a top national priority, first confirmed Kirk’s death and later broke the news of the arrest on Fox News ahead of the official announcement. Trump has ordered flags flown at half-mast and pledged to attend Kirk’s funeral.
Manhunt and Breakthrough
Authorities said the suspected murder weapon, a high-powered hunting rifle, was recovered soon after the shooting. Surveillance photos of a young man in a baseball cap circulated widely, but early leads faltered as two initially detained individuals were cleared of involvement.
On Thursday, officials released more details about the shooter’s clothing and movements, asking the public for help. That evening, a breakthrough came when Robinson’s family intervened.
“On the evening of September 11th, a family member of Tyler Robinson reached out … with information that Robinson had confessed or implied involvement,” Cox explained.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrest occurred at 10:00 pm Thursday.
National Reaction
Students at Utah Valley University expressed shock. “We watch him all the time, and it really does feel like one of your own family members has been killed,” said Dave Sanchez, 26.
In Orem Park, several hundred supporters in MAGA hats gathered Thursday evening for a candlelight vigil, praying and holding a moment of silence. “It still feels insane that this happened,” said Jonathan Silva, 35.
Death Penalty on the Table
Governor Cox said Utah would seek the death penalty against Robinson, a move backed by Trump. “I hope he gets the death penalty,” the former president told Fox News.
Reflecting the political symbolism of the case, Kirk’s coffin was transported to Phoenix aboard Vice President JD Vance’s official plane, with footage showing Vance resting his hands on the casket as it was carried off Air Force Two.
Legacy of Charlie Kirk
Charlie Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012, a conservative youth organization that became a powerful force in U.S. politics. Known for his sharp debating style, large social media presence, and outspoken views on immigration, Christianity, and gun rights, Kirk played a central role in mobilizing young voters for Trump’s re-election bid last year.
Supporters have since hailed him as a “martyr” for the conservative movement. Kirk is survived by his wife and two children.
