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Utah : A 22-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, whose death during a public appearance at Utah Valley University (UVU) has sent shockwaves across the nation.
Tyler Robinson, 22, was taken into custody late Thursday following a 33-hour manhunt, authorities confirmed. His arrest came after his father recognized him from FBI surveillance images and contacted a family pastor.
According to officials, Robinson allegedly confessed to his father before being detained. He is currently being held in the Utah County Jail on suspicion of aggravated murder and other felony charges, according to court records.
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The breaking news was announced by US President Donald Trump on a morning television show.
“I think with a high degree of certainty, we have him,” said Trump on the sofa of Fox & Friends on Friday in New York City. “In custody.”
“Essentially, someone that was very close to him turned him in.”
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Planned Shoot:
Utah Governor Spencer Cox told reporters that Robinson drove to UVU early Wednesday morning in a grey Dodge Challenger, hours before Kirk was due to speak.
Investigators say Robinson fired a single fatal shot from a rooftop, using a Mauser .30-06 bolt-action rifle fitted with a scope. The weapon, wrapped in a towel, was later found in nearby woods.
Casings engraved with phrases including “hey fascist! CATCH!” and “Bella ciao” were recovered at the scene.
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Arrest after Family Intervention:
According to law enforcement, Robinson threatened suicide rather than surrender. His father and a local pastor persuaded him to calm down before US Marshals made the arrest in Washington County, southern Utah.
Robinson faces charges of aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and felony discharge of a firearm. He is expected to be formally indicted on Tuesday.
Shock and mourning on campus
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Kirk, 31, was shot while debating students before an audience of nearly 3,000 at UVU. Students fled in panic as security forces locked down the campus.
“He was apprehended in Washington County, which is where I’m from,” said UVU freshman McKinley Shinkle. “I just feel deeply ashamed.”
Another student said: “I’m definitely relieved. I just want to know why this happened.”
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The killing has triggered tributes from supporters and criticism from detractors — underscoring Kirk’s polarising place in American politics.
Kirk rose to prominence as a college dropout who built Turning Point USA into a major force in right-wing youth politics. He was a vocal ally of Trump and a frequent critic of universities, abortion rights, and what he described as “woke ideology.”
Krik leaves behind a wife and two children.
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