The man accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been identified as Tyler Robinson, 22, a Utah native who had been living with his parents for a long time, authorities said.
Robinson was taken into custody on 12 September after a family member recognised him in surveillance images, a development investigators described as pivotal in ending a nationwide manhunt.
That family member was reportedly Robinson's father, who encouraged him to turn himself in, according to CBS News sources. Following this, the father contacted a family friend who informed the sheriff's office.
At a press briefing announcing the arrest, FBI officials declined to discuss Robinson's background, political beliefs, or possible motives, indicating that the investigation is still ongoing. An FBI spokesperson stated, We are confident we have the right individual in custody, but we are still working to establish the full picture of who he is and why he acted.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox reported that a family member interviewed by investigators indicated Robinson had become more political in recent years. According to Cox, Robinson expressed during a dinner discussion before the attack that Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate, linking to Kirk's upcoming event at Utah Valley University.
Public records reviewed suggest that Robinson was registered as an unaffiliated voter in Utah, while his parents are registered Republicans. Robinson was not enrolled at UVU, the site of the shooting. However, he was a third-year student at Dixie Technical College's electrical apprenticeship program, with previous credits earned at Utah State University and Utah Tech University during high school.
Authorities have linked Robinson to online culture, with shell casings found at the scene inscribed with unusual references indicating trolling behavior. Some shell casings had texts that referred to internet jokes, along with others that demonstrated potential affinities toward anti-fascism.
Robinson's online activity, particularly on Discord, revealed communications about hiding weapons and other concerning messages. Following this incident, Discord suspended his account for violating off-platform behavior policies.
As the investigation continues, Robinson remains in custody as authorities prepare charges in what is considered a significant political killing in recent U.S. history.