The man suspected of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, according to the New York Post. Robinson allegedly fired the fatal shot on Wednesday at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, Utah. Kirk was answering questions at a public event when the attack happened.
The shooting sparked a massive manhunt involving both state police and federal agencies. Robinson managed to evade authorities for more than 24 hours before being arrested.
Who is Tyler Robinson?
Law enforcement sources told the New York Post that Robinson’s father turned him in to authorities. Investigators had already circulated photos and video showing the suspect fleeing the UVU campus. He was described as being of college age and wearing dark clothing at the time of the shooting.
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The breakthrough came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that the suspect was already in custody.
Trump Confirms Arrest
In a live Fox & Friends interview, Trump said, “I think with a high degree of certainty we have him in custody. Somebody close to him turned him, you know, they said, whoa.”
Trump added that investigators had “very good pictures, but not great, not perfect” before the arrest was confirmed.
The former president also called for the harshest punishment: “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.”
Charlie Kirk Fatally Shot
Kirk, 31, was the co-founder of Turning Point USA and a strong Trump ally. He was shot in the neck while speaking to students at UVU. Witnesses said a loud gunshot rang out in the courtyard during his Q&A session. Kirk was rushed to a hospital but was pronounced dead soon after.
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The FBI initially detained two people following the attack but released them within hours. Federal agents then released photos and videos of Robinson escaping. A reward of $100,000 was announced for information leading to his capture.
Calls for the Death Penalty
Utah Governor Spencer Cox labeled the murder a “political assassination.” He announced that the state will pursue the death penalty if Robinson is convicted. Trump strongly agreed, saying:
“I hope he gets the death penalty. He worked so hard and so well. Everybody liked him.”
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are still investigating whether Robinson acted alone or was part of a larger plot. Trump suggested it appeared to be a lone-wolf attack but left the matter open.
“Seems to be. Well, you don’t know, I mean, you don’t know,” he said.
The case is expected to move quickly toward formal charges as the political and social fallout from Kirk’s assassination continues to unfold.
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