Salt Lake City, Utah (September 14, 2025) – Utah Governor Spencer Cox has shared new details regarding the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University (UVU) that occurred on September 10, 2025. Kirk, 31, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative voice, was shot during a campus event known as “The American Comeback Tour.”
According to Governor Cox, the suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, arrived on the UVU campus at 8:29 a.m. Mountain Time driving a gray Dodge Challenger. He initially wore a plain maroon T-shirt, light-colored shorts, light shoes, and a black cap with a white logo but changed into dark clothing before the shooting unfolded, Cox stated during a press conference on September 12.
The shooting happened just after noon during an outdoor “Prove Me Wrong” debate, an event where Kirk invited students to challenge his political and cultural views. Witnesses and video footage captured the moment a single gunshot was fired, fatally wounding Kirk. The suspect then fled the scene, reportedly climbing to a rooftop nearby before jumping off and escaping on foot.
The FBI released surveillance footage showing the shooter jumping from the rooftop, leaving behind a firearm and ammunition in a wooded area near the university. Forensic teams collected trace evidence at the rooftop landing, including shoe impressions and palm prints, which assisted law enforcement in quickly identifying and locating Robinson.
Within 33 hours of the shooting, federal and state law enforcement officials apprehended Tyler Robinson in Washington County, Utah. FBI Director Kash Patel credited inter-agency coordination for the swift arrest, sparing the community prolonged safety concerns.
The event where the shooting took place had drawn a large crowd at UVU. As Kirk spoke, several students recorded video evidence of the attack live. After the shooting, university police conducted a thorough campus sweep, evacuating buildings and securing the area.
Public officials across the political spectrum condemned the attack. Former President Donald Trump issued a statement expressing profound sorrow, calling Kirk “legendary” and highlighting his connection with the youth of America. Many leaders denounced the violence and expressed sympathy to Kirk’s family, including his wife Erika and their children.
This incident has renewed national conversations on campus security and political violence. Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate motives and circumstances behind the shooting, while university communities and political organizations mourn the loss of an influential conservative figure.
Kirk’s family has requested privacy as they grieve. Utah authorities encourage anyone with additional information related to the shooting to contact the FBI hotline at 1-800-CALL-FBI.