Suspect in Charlie Kirk Killing Captured, Utah Governor Announces
A suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the fatal shooting of conservative figure Charlie Kirk, according to Utah Governor Spencer Cox. Speaking alongside FBI Director Kash Patel at a press briefing on Friday morning, Cox confirmed the arrest, saying, “We got him.”
The governor stated that a family member of a man named Tyler Robinson contacted a friend, who then reached out to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office with information suggesting Robinson had confessed or hinted at involvement in the shooting.
Authorities believe Robinson acted alone, though the investigation is ongoing.
Cox added that one of Robinson’s family members told investigators the suspect “had become more political in recent years” and recalled a recent dinner where Robinson discussed Kirk’s upcoming event at Utah Valley University.
President Trump Responds
President Donald Trump addressed the news on Friday morning, saying that law enforcement had someone in custody for the killing.
“I think with high degree of certainty, we have him in custody,” Trump told “Fox and Friends,” explaining that he believed someone close to the suspect turned him in.
The president clarified that his comments were “based on what I’m hearing,” and added, “I’m always subject to be corrected,” noting he had just heard the update before appearing on air.
Trump said a minister “who is involved with law enforcement” recognised the suspect in images released by the FBI the day prior and helped lead to the arrest, ending a two-day manhunt.
While law enforcement hadn’t immediately confirmed the arrest on social media, FBI Director Kash Patel was set to hold a news conference at 9 a.m.
Patel previously faced criticism for prematurely announcing an arrest online, before later clarifying that the individual in question had been interviewed and released.
“I hope he’s going to be found guilty — I would imagine — and I hope he gets the death penalty,” Trump said. He added that he had not watched the graphic footage of the shooting, saying, “I didn’t want to remember Charlie that way.”
The president praised Kirk, recalling that his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., considered Kirk to be like another son to him. Kirk, 31, was killed Wednesday on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
Trump credited Kirk with helping energise young conservative voters during the 2024 election cycle.
“I’ve never seen young people, or any group, go to one person like they did to Charlie,” Trump said.
He also said that Turning Point USA, the political organisation Kirk founded, is expected to continue operating. According to Trump, the group has seen an outpouring of donations since Kirk’s death and his family has decided to carry on the work.
Asked about concerns over increasing political violence following several recent attacks across the political spectrum, Trump stressed the need to remain steadfast.
“You have to go forward. You watch as closely as you can,” the president said, adding that his Secret Service team remains highly vigilant.
