Charlie Kirk speaks before he is shot during Turning Point's visit to Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (Tess Crowley/The Deseret News via AP)
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Investigations are continuing after the murder of American political commentator Charlie Kirk last week and the arrest of a suspect.
The 31-year-old was shot in the neck and killed on a college campus in Utah on Thursday, sparking tributes from many politicians and figures, including Kirk’s friend, President Donald Trump.
It has also caused debate about the spate of violent attacks on American politicians in recent times.
Charlie Kirk speaks before he is shot during Turning Point's visit to Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (Tess Crowley/The Deseret News via AP)
Charlie Kirk speaks before he is shot during Turning Point’s visit to Utah Valley University. (AP)

A suspect has been arrested, with 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in custody and being interviewed by authorities.

Here is what we know about Charlie Kirk’s alleged shooter.

What happened to Charlie Kirk?

Kirk was on a speaking tour at Utah Valley College in Utah last Thursday when a gunshot was heard.

Kirk, who was sitting underneath a tent and speaking to a gathered crowd, was shot in the neck by a single bullet at around 12.23pm local time.

He was rushed to hospital and had emergency surgery, but he could not be saved.

The shooter was seen climbing the roof of a nearby building before the shooting, and climbing down and retreating into the woods in the immediate aftermath.

His death was announced by Trump, who called Kirk a “martyr for truth and freedom”.

The crowd reacts after Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organisation Turning Point USA, is shot at the Utah Valley University. (Tess Crowley/The Deseret News via AP)

Two people were quickly arrested after the shooting, though it later emerged one of the arrests was an “obstruction of justice” charge and not connected to the shooting.

Hours after the shooting, FBI director Kish Patel announced a suspect was in custody, which was corroborated by Utah Governor Spencer Cox; however, just two hours later, the suspect had been released.

Over the weekend, inquiries narrowed to one suspect, and Robinson was arrested on September 12 at his home.

The 22-year-old is from St George, Utah, and is in the third year of an electrical apprenticeship at Dixie Technical College.

Robinson did not have a criminal record prior to his arrest.

Tyler Robinson
The Utah Governor’s Office released booking photos on Friday of Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the shooting of Charlie Kirk. (Utah Governor’s Office)

How was Tyler Robinson caught?

Robinson was first identified as a suspect by his own father, who recognised his son from photos and videos released by law enforcement.

Robinson’s father reportedly confronted the 22-year-old and urged him to turn himself in, but Robinson refused.

Despite this, Robinson reportedly confided in a youth pastor who was connected to law enforcement, and there were several clues connecting Robinson to the shooting.

He was seen wearing a distinct outfit before and after the shooting, which was the same clothing he was later arrested in.

Robinson also left messages on Discord, a social media service, saying he had to “pick up a rifle” and leave it in a bush.

Police have released this image of the suspect in the Charlie Kirk murder.
These photographs released helped Robinson’s father identify his son as a prime suspect. (FBI)
Charlie Kirk shooter looper
Image allegedly of Tyler Robinson fleeing the scene after the shooting. (Supplied)

What were Tyler Robinson’s motives for allegedly shooting Charlie Kirk?

Reports indicate Robinson had become more politically active in the lead-up to the shooting.

He was deeply critical of Kirk and his views, with bullet casings of a rifle found by police allegedly inscribed with messages including “Hey fascist! Catch!” and other messages related to online game culture.

Robinson had also made comments critical of Kirk at a recent family dinner, investigators were told.

It is also believed Robinson may have been in a romantic relationship with his roommate, who is transitioning from male to female.

Kirk was public in his views on transgender people, praising Trump for revoking an order allowing transgender people to openly serve in the military.

Cox said the roommate had “no idea” about the shooting before it occurred.

A makeshift memorial is set up at Turning Point USA headquarters after the shooting death of its founder Charlie Kirk. (AP)

What are Tyler Robinson’s beliefs?

Tyler Robinson is a registered voter but isn’t affiliated to any political party, and there is no evidence to suggest he had voted in his local county.

According to reports, the rest of the Robinson family were Republican voters and his mother had expressed support for Trump.

His family are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which is popular in Utah.

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