The Arrest of Tyler Robinson
Authorities have arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in connection with the assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk. The shooting occurred on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University where Kirk was speaking at a Turning Point USA event.
"We have him," was the message delivered at the press conference announcing Robinson's arrest, according to law enforcement officials.
Background and Family Life
Tyler Robinson lived with his parents in St. George, Washington County, Utah - approximately three hours from the crime scene. His father serves as a local sheriff and reportedly recognized his son in surveillance photos released by authorities. His mother works for an organization assisting people with disabilities in Utah.
Social media profiles show a family-oriented young man who participated in family gatherings and vacations. Robinson was the oldest of three sons in what neighbors described as a typical American family.
Education and Political Interests
Robinson attended Utah State University in Logan for one semester in 2021, where he studied technical subjects with a scholarship. Interestingly, Charlie Kirk was scheduled to speak at that same university later this month.
Family members told investigators that Robinson had shown increasing interest in politics in recent years and had expressed strong negative opinions about Kirk during family discussions. "Kirk is full of hate, he spreads hate," one family member was quoted saying.
Weapons Proficiency and Evidence
Investigators believe the shooter demonstrated significant marksmanship skills, hitting Kirk from a considerable distance with a single shot. Social media photos show Robinson with various firearms, including machine guns, indicating familiarity with weapons.
Perhaps most tellingly, authorities discovered engraved messages on Robinson's shell casings. One read "Hey fascist, catch" while another featured lyrics from the anti-fascist anthem "Bella Ciao," a song associated with Italian partisans who fought against Nazis during World War II.
Robinson was registered as an independent voter who did not participate in the last two presidential elections, according to voter registration records obtained by media outlets.
Community Reactions
A neighbor who lived on the same street as the Robinson family for sixteen years described Tyler as "very smart and quiet with few friends." She speculated that social media may have radicalized him, noting "There's just too much hate out there."
The investigation continues as authorities work to establish a definitive motive for the assassination that has shocked the American political landscape.