‘We Got Him’: Suspect Arrested in Charlie Kirk Shooting

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Gov. Spencer Cox opened Friday’s press conference with the words, “We got him,” announcing that 22-year-old Tyler Robinson had been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.

Robinson was taken into custody around 10 p.m. on Sept. 11 in Washington County, less than 36 hours after Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at UVU.

Authorities said the break in the case came when a family member reported that Robinson had confessed or implied involvement in the shooting. Investigators also reviewed UVU surveillance footage showing Robinson arriving on campus in a gray Dodge Challenger on the morning of Sept. 10, wearing a maroon T-shirt, light shorts, a black hat, and light shoes.

Family members told investigators Robinson had become more political in recent years and had criticized Kirk at a dinner days before the shooting, saying he was “full of hate and spreading hate.”

Robinson’s roommate showed investigators Discord messages linked to Robinson that referenced retrieving and hiding a rifle, leaving it wrapped in a towel, and changing outfits. The rifle was later discovered north of campus wrapped in a dark towel. Authorities identified it as a Mauser Model 98 6.5 caliber bolt-action rifle with a mounted scope.

Engraved messages were found on bullet casings with phrases including “Hey fascist!,” “Bella Ciao,” and “If you read this you are gay LMAO.”

FBI Director Kash Patel credited cooperation between federal, state, and local authorities for the quick arrest. “In 33 hours, we have made historic progress for Charlie,” Patel said, noting that agents were on scene within 16 minutes of the shooting. The FBI released surveillance images and offered a $100,000 reward the following day, generating more than 11,000 leads.

Gov. Cox thanked Robinson’s family for coming forward, the public for providing tips, and law enforcement for their rapid work. “This is a very sad day for our country, a terrible day for the state of Utah, but I’m grateful that we have an opportunity to bring closure to this dark chapter in our nation’s history,” Cox said.

Kirk, 31, was shot at 12:23 p.m. Sept. 10 during his “American Comeback Tour” stop at UVU.