Who is 22-year-old Charlie Kirk shooting suspect, captured in Utah?
What's the story
Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old resident of Utah, has been arrested as the prime suspect in the shooting of conservative activist and businessman Charlie Kirk. The arrest came after a nationwide manhunt following Kirk's fatal shooting at Utah Valley University earlier this week. President Donald Trump confirmed Robinson's arrest during a live television interview on Friday, saying, "With a high degree of certainty, we have him."
Surrender details
Suspect's father helped facilitate his surrender
Robinson was taken into custody after his father helped facilitate his surrender. Trump revealed that a "minister who was involved with law enforcement" first identified the suspect and reached out to the family. The father then persuaded Robinson to drive him to a police station, where he was turned over to authorities.
Incident details
Kirk shot during speaking engagement
Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck while speaking at a Turning Point USA event in Orem, Utah. The shooting occurred from a rooftop position around midday on Wednesday. Despite immediate medical attention, Kirk died shortly after at the hospital. The incident sparked an extensive manhunt involving the FBI, local police, and federal marshals.
Evidence found
Surveillance footage and reward offered for suspect
Authorities released surveillance footage of a figure dressed in black fleeing across a university rooftop. A reward of up to $100,000 was announced for information leading to the suspect's capture. Before Robinson's identification, investigators had recovered a bolt-action rifle believed to be the murder weapon from a wooded area near the campus. The firearm is undergoing forensic analysis at an FBI laboratory.
President's stance
Trump calls for death penalty, plans to attend funeral
While law enforcement officials have not released details about Robinson's background or motive, Trump has called for the death penalty if convicted. He described Kirk as "the finest person" and said the killing was intentional. The President also confirmed plans to attend Kirk's funeral in Arizona, saying he feels an obligation to do so.