Authorities have arrested Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a Utah university campus event on September 11, 2025. Robinson eluded law enforcement for more than a day until his father recognized him in photographs released by investigators, leading to his eventual surrender.
On the evening of September 11, a chilling shooting left Charlie Kirk dead while he was participating in a public event. Law enforcement agencies launched an intensive manhunt to find Robinson, who was captured following a breakthrough when a family member contacted authorities after Robinson confessed to the crime within his family circle.
According to officials, the Fitzgerald County Sheriff’s Office worked closely with Washington County Sheriff and the FBI to track the suspect. Early investigative efforts included interviewing residents and analyzing neighborhood doorbell camera footage to trace Robinson’s path after the shooting.
ABC News contributor and retired FBI agent Brad Garrett described the shooting as a meticulously planned attack. Robinson had allegedly discarded the weapon along his escape route to avoid detection. Garrett explained that the discovery of the suspect’s palm prints may further help solidify his identity, especially if records exist from prior government or military involvement—although this remains uncertain.
Robinson’s father recognized his son in FBI-released images showing the suspect’s getaway after firing from a rooftop vantage point. At first, Robinson refused to turn himself in but later, prompted by his father’s insistence and with the involvement of their family pastor, he agreed to cooperate with authorities and surrendered peacefully.
Those who knew Robinson described him as a quiet and intelligent individual who never previously caused problems. He once accepted a scholarship and briefly attended university before the incident. The shooting has been described by officials as a “political assassination,” given Kirk’s prominence in conservative activism.
The investigation remains active with many questions about motive and planning yet to be answered. Authorities continue to piece together Robinson’s background and the exact circumstances surrounding the killing.
ABC News correspondents Megan Christie, Laura Romero, Mike Levine, Lucien Bruggeman, and Tonya Simpson contributed to this report.