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Authorities have confirmed the arrest of Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old Utah man accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University. Robinson was taken into custody Thursday night, ending a 33-hour manhunt.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox announced at a Friday press conference, "Good morning, ladies and gentlemen — we got him," confirming that Robinson had been booked into Utah County Jail and is believed to have acted alone.
Investigators said Robinson confessed to his father, who then contacted a youth pastor for help. The pastor alerted federal authorities, leading to Robinson's arrest at his father's home. President Donald Trump also revealed during a live "Fox & Friends" interview that "somebody who was very close to him turned him in," later confirmed to be Robinson's father. Trump added, "I think, with a high degree of certainty, we have him."
Officials recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle wrapped in a towel near the scene, along with bullet casings carrying disturbing inscriptions. One read, "Hey fascist! Catch!" while another was marked with the anti-fascist anthem phrase "Bella ciao." According to Governor Cox, additional engravings included internet slang and gaming references.
Family members told investigators that Robinson had voiced hostility toward Kirk, once describing him as "full of hate." Discord chats revealed Robinson discussing the placement of the rifle before the shooting. Surveillance footage also showed a man in clothing "consistent" with Robinson's, perched on the roof of a university building overlooking the event.
Kirk, 31, co-founder of Turning Point USA and a father of two, was struck by a single round while addressing students outdoors. Video from the scene captured the moment he recoiled in pain, clutching his neck, as panicked spectators fled.
Governor Cox urged the public not to circulate graphic footage of the assassination, warning that "social media is a cancer on our society right now." He called Kirk's death a pivotal moment, saying, "I absolutely believe that this is a watershed in American history... The question is: What kind of watershed?"
Robinson, once described by his mother as a "genius" student with a 4.0 GPA and recipient of a $32,000 scholarship, now faces capital charges. Trump stated, "I hope he's going to be found guilty, and I hope he gets the death penalty. What he did — Charlie Kirk was the finest person and he didn't deserve this."