Utah Governor Spencer Cox has confirmed that 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the killing of US activist Charlie Kirk, has been taken into custody.
Speaking at a news conference on Friday, September 12, Cox said, “We got him.” He revealed that a family member of Robinson reached out to a family friend, who then informed a Sheriff after Robinson confessed or implied involvement in the incident.
“I especially want to thank the family of Charlie Kirk. I want us to be thinking of them as we bring justice to this case,” he said.
Investigators later reviewed video footage showing Robinson arriving in a Dodge Challenger at Utah Valley University at 08:29 on September 10.
When confronted in person on September 12, he was wearing clothing that matched the footage — a maroon T-shirt, light shorts, a black hat with a white logo, and light-coloured shoes.
Cox said state officials are already moving to pursue the death penalty if the case goes to trial.
Utah Governor Details How Charlie Kirk Murder Suspect Was Apprehended
According to Cox, Robinson’s family told investigators that he had become “more political” in recent years and had previously spoken against Kirk’s views, calling him “full of hate and spreading hate.”
His roommate also provided Discord messages in which Robinson, using the name “Tyler,” spoke of retrieving a rifle from a drop point, changing outfits, and preparing the weapon.
Investigators later recovered a bolt-action rifle wrapped in a towel, fitted with a scope mount. Bullet casings were found with unusual inscriptions, including phrases such as “Hey fascist! Catch!”, “O Bella Ciao, Bella Ciao,” and “If you read this, you are gay lmao.”
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FBI Pivotal Role
Governor Cox praised law enforcement, the FBI, and the public for their role, while thanking Robinson’s family for alerting authorities. He also paid tribute to Kirk’s family, calling the killing “an attack on all of us” and on the ideals of free expression.
FBI Director Kash Patel, who also spoke at the briefing, said investigators made “historic progress” in just 33 hours.
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By the following morning, suspect photos were released, and a $100,000 reward was announced. Robinson was taken into custody by 22:00 the next day.
“I just want to express my gratitude for giving us the resources we need to operate in this space to bring this sort of justice at this sort of speed. In 33 hours, we have made historic progress for Charlie,” he said.
“The arrest is a testament to the dedication of good law enforcement being great.”
Governor Cox said Robinson was not a student at Utah Valley University and had been living with family in Washington County, about three hours from the scene. He added that charging documents are expected to be filed early next week.
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