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 September 12 after a family member recognized him in surveillance images, a development investigators described as pivotal in ending a nationwide manhunt.
That family member was apparently Robinson's father, who encouraged him to turn himself in, according to CBS News, citing two law enforcement sources. The father then reportedly contacted a family friend who informed the sheriff's office.
At a press briefing on Friday announcing the arrest, FBI officials declined to discuss Robinson's background, political leanings, or possible motive, saying the investigation was ongoing.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated that a relative interviewed by investigators claimed Robinson had become more political in recent years. During a dinner conversation prior to the attack, Robinson reportedly referred to Kirk as full of hate and spreading hate in relation to an upcoming event at Utah Valley University.
Public records suggest Robinson had previously registered as a nonpartisan voter, while his parents are registered Republicans. He was enrolled in a technical college and had previously attended Utah State University.
Investigators noted that Robinson was immersed in online culture, as inscribed messages on shell casings from the scene appeared to reference online trolling. Some inscriptions contained content related to anti-fascism, raising questions about his ideological influences.
Robinson remains in custody as prosecutors prepare formal charges, while authorities continue to investigate the implications of this incident, which has been described as one of the most significant political killings in recent U.S. history.
