Charlie Kirk Shooter Identified as Tyler Robinson: The Full Story

The suspect in the fatal shooting of prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been identified and taken into custody, authorities have confirmed. Following a tense 33-hour federal manhunt, Utah Governor Spencer Cox and FBI Director Kash Patel named Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old local resident, as the alleged shooter.

The arrest came after a crucial tip from a family member and has provided new insight into a politically motivated crime that has shocked the nation.

Who is Tyler Robinson?

Tyler Robinson is a 22-year-old who grew up in the quiet suburban community of Washington, Utah. Despite being a high-achieving student who briefly attended Utah State University, public records show that Robinson had no political party affiliation and had not cast a ballot in the two most recent elections.

However, a family member told investigators that Robinson “had become more political in recent years” and had lashed out at Kirk, describing the conservative figure as “full of hate and spreading hate.”

This motive was further underscored by evidence found at the scene. Investigators discovered a bolt-action rifle, believed to be the murder weapon, along with casings engraved with anti-fascist and other cryptic messages, including “Hey fascist! Catch!” and “If you read this, you are gay, LMAO.”

The 33-Hour Manhunt: A Detailed Timeline

The investigation unfolded at a rapid pace, with authorities providing a detailed timeline of events from the moment Kirk was shot to the suspect’s apprehension.

Wednesday, September 10:

• 12:23 p.m. MT: Charlie Kirk is shot while speaking to a crowd of hundreds at the Utah Valley University campus.
• 12:39 p.m.: The first FBI agents arrive on the scene.
• 2:40 p.m.: President Donald Trump announces Kirk’s death on his Truth Social platform.
• 4:21 p.m.: An initial report from FBI Director Kash Patel stating a suspect is in custody is later retracted after the individual is released.

Thursday, September 11:

• 9:48 a.m.: The FBI releases the first photos of a person of interest to the public.
• 10:45 a.m.: The FBI announces a $100,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.
• 7:52 p.m.: Authorities release new surveillance video of the suspect running from the scene.
• 10:00 p.m.: Tyler Robinson is taken into custody, ending the 33-hour manhunt.

Friday, September 12:

• 6:03 a.m.: President Trump announces the arrest on Fox News, saying, “I think with a high degree of certainty we have him in custody.”
• 8:04 a.m.: Utah Governor Spencer Cox publicly confirms the arrest, stating, “We got him.”

The Final Piece of Evidence

The manhunt ended thanks to a critical tip from a family member who contacted a family friend, who then informed authorities that Robinson had “confessed to them or implied that he had committed the incident.”

Investigators were also able to obtain messages from a Discord group chat, where Robinson discussed his plan to retrieve a rifle, wrap it in a towel, and leave it in a bush near the campus—details that perfectly matched the evidence found at the crime scene.

The arrest of Tyler Robinson marks a critical turning point in a case that has sent shockwaves across the nation, putting a face to the suspect authorities believe is responsible for the politically motivated attack on Charlie Kirk.