Authorities have arrested 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson, of Washington County, Utah, in connection with the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at a university event earlier this week.
Governor Spencer Cox confirmed the arrest during a press conference on 12 September, stating: “We got him.”
Robinson was identified after the FBI released surveillance photos to the public. His father recognised him in the images, and after Robinson allegedly admitted involvement, he was turned in with the help of a youth pastor.
The suspect was taken into custody peacefully, approximately 33 hours after the shooting. Officials credited the arrest to the cooperation of Robinson’s family, the youth pastor, and federal law enforcement efforts.
Confusion Over Bullet Engravings
Rumours had circulated online that bullets recovered from the scene carried engravings linked to so-called “transgender ideology.”
Governor Cox addressed these claims, clarifying that the casings instead bore internet memes and cultural references, including:
- “Notices bulge, OwO, what’s this?” — a widely used online meme.
- “Hey fascist! Catch!” followed by arrows referencing the video game Helldivers 2.
- Lyrics from the Italian anti-fascist folk song Bella Ciao.
- “If you read this, you are gay LMAO.”
Authorities believe the confusion stemmed from the headstamp on the ammunition, marked “TRN,” which some misinterpreted as referencing transgender issues.
What Happened at Utah Valley University
The shooting took place on 10 September 2025 during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. Kirk was answering questions on gun violence under a large outdoor tent when a single gunshot struck him in the neck. He died at the scene before medics could intervene.
Investigators recovered a bolt-action Mauser rifle chambered in .30-06 calibre (a round used for hunting larger game such as deer from a longer distance), abandoned nearby in a wooded area. Both spent and unfired cartridges were found with it.
Robinson now faces charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, and obstruction of justice. He is being held in Utah County Jail.
Political Fallout
President Donald Trump and other conservative leaders have called for the death penalty in Robinson’s case.
Investigators are still working to establish a motive, citing Robinson’s Discord activity, where he allegedly discussed retrieving and discarding the weapon and expressed disdain toward Kirk.
While his family largely supported Trump and the MAGA movement, relatives said Robinson had become “more political” in recent years, highlighting that extremism exists on all sides of the political spectrum.
Meanwhile, authorities have taken disciplinary action against public service workers who posted negative comments about Kirk online. A Secret Service agent was reportedly placed on leave and had his clearance revoked after calling Kirk “hateful and racist” on social media.
The event has further highlighted the political divide within the United States, with many calling for calm and acceptance, no matter one’s political opinions.
