Identifying Tyler Robinson: The Suspect in the Charlie Kirk Shooting

Fri Oct 17 2025 13:59:34 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Authorities have arrested Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah native, in connection with the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. This article explores Robinson's background, the events leading up to his capture, and the ongoing investigation.

Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old living with his parents in Utah, has been identified as the suspect in the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The FBI announced the arrest after a family member recognized him from surveillance footage. Robinson has faced scrutiny regarding his political ideology and online activities, as investigations delve into the motivations behind the attack, which authorities consider significant in the realm of political violence in the U.S.

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.

Mr. 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 apparently Mr. Robinson's father, who encouraged him to turn himself in, the BBC's US partner CBS News has reported, citing two law enforcement sources. The father then reportedly reached out to a family friend who contacted the sheriff's office.

At a press briefing on Friday announcing the arrest, FBI officials declined to discuss Mr. Robinson's background, political leanings, or possible motive, saying the investigation was ongoing.

We are confident we have the right individual in custody, an FBI spokesperson said, but we are still working to establish the full picture of who he is and why he acted.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox said a family member interviewed by investigators stated that Mr. Robinson had become more political in recent years.

The relative also said that during a dinner conversation before the attack, Mr. Robinson had stated Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate and mentioned Kirk's upcoming event at Utah Valley University, according to Cox.

Public records reviewed by the BBC suggest Mr. Robinson had in the past registered as an unaffiliated, or nonpartisan, voter in Utah. His parents are both registered Republicans.

Mr. Robinson was not enrolled at UVU, the site of the shooting. He attended Utah State University for a single semester in 2021, possibly studying engineering.

Investigators have also found evidence suggesting Mr. Robinson had been involved in online culture, as indicated by inscriptions on shell casings linked to the case, some with references to online trolling humor. Other casings appeared to express sentiments sympathetic to anti-fascist movements.

Authorities stated Mr. Robinson was active on Discord, with messages indicating possible preparations for the attack. As the investigation continues, Mr. Robinson remains in custody as formal charges are expected to be filed soon.

The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the motivations behind what officials are calling one of the most significant political killings in recent U.S. history.