After an extensive manhunt, a suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk has been apprehended and identified.
What happened: In an FBI press conference, authorities confirmed that 22-year-old Utah local, Tyler Robinson, is the prime suspect in the death of Kirk.
“We got him,” the press conference opened, confirming that the suspect was apprehended. Robinson allegedly opened fire and shot and killed Kirk during the middle of a speaking event at Utah Valley University
Officials speak out: Utah Governor Spencer Cox said, “On the evening of September 11, a family member of Tyler Robinson reached out to a family friend who contacted the Washington County Sheriff’s Office with information that Robinson had confessed to them or implied that he had committed the incident.”
- “The family member referenced a recent incident in which Robinson came to dinner prior to September 10,” Cox said. “In the conversation with another family member, Robinson mentioned Charlie Kirk was coming to UVU…the family member also stated Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate.”
Robinson’s father identified his son as the person in the photos and videos released. He suggested to his son to turn himself in and also called a pastor for assistance. The youth pastor then contacted authorities.
Kirk was in the middle of answering a question about gun violence when he was struck in the neck by a single fired bullet. He died later at the hospital.
Charlie Kirk Suspect Arrested
Authorities determined the gunfire came from a nearby building 150 yards away. They later released a video of the suspect, which aided in his capture. The video showed the suspect fleeing across the rooftop before jumping from the building.
He fled into a nearby wooded area. Authorities later found a high-powered rifle in the area. The weapon had partial prints and anti-fascism ideology written on the bullet casings. Authorities highly suspect that this is the murder weapon.
Prior to the press conference, Trump revealed authorities had arrested someone. He said, “I think with a high degree of certainty we have him in custody.”
Mourning Kirk: Trump also said, “I hope he’s going to be found guilty, and I hope he gets the death penalty. What he did — Charlie Kirk was the finest person and he didn’t deserve this.”
Following his death, Trump mourned the loss of Charlie Kirk.
“The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead. No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie,” Trump wrote. “Charlie inspired millions. And tonight, all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror,” the president said, adding that Kirk is now a “martyr for truth and freedom.”