Erika Kirk, the wife of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, is scheduled to make her first public remarks since his death on Friday evening, Turning Point USA said, announcing an 8:15 p.m. appearance. The address comes hours after law enforcement officials identified and arrested a suspect in the killing.
Authorities arrested 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson of Washington, Utah, on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm and obstruction of justice, according to a probable cause statement released Friday. A judge ordered Robinson held without bail.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox told reporters the break in the case came after a family member of Robinson contacted a family friend with information that Robinson had "confessed" or otherwise implied involvement in the shooting. Cox said investigators believe Robinson acted alone. The probable cause statement lists Robinson’s address as the six-bedroom home of his parents, who own a granite-countertop business and are registered to vote as Republicans.
State voter records show Robinson was registered to vote but not affiliated with a political party; he was listed as inactive, indicating he had not voted in at least the last two general elections. State and federal court records do not show prior criminal cases involving Robinson.
Cox said family members told investigators Robinson "had become more political in recent years," and described a recent dinner in which Robinson mentioned that Kirk planned to speak at Utah Valley University and discussed why he and another family member disliked Kirk and his viewpoints. The family member also told authorities that "Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate," Cox said.
Kirk’s death is being treated by authorities as a political assassination, Turning Point USA and law enforcement officials have said. The organization arranged for the conservative activist’s body to be transported aboard Air Force Two to his home state of Arizona on Thursday, with Vice President J.D. Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance joining Erika Kirk as the casket was carried onto the plane.
Turning Point USA’s announcement of Erika Kirk’s planned remarks did not provide details on the content of her address. The organization said the timing of the event is Friday evening at 8:15 p.m.
Investigators released the probable cause statement after Robinson’s arrest and formal charging. The charges include aggravated murder and felony counts related to the discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice. Officials have not publicly detailed a motive beyond the statements relayed by Robinson’s family member and the characterization of the killing as politically motivated.
Court records show Robinson was held without bail pending further proceedings. Local and federal investigators are continuing to review evidence and interview witnesses as part of the ongoing investigation. Turning Point USA and representatives for the Kirk family did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment beyond the announced speaking engagement and the organization’s statements about Kirk’s death.
The episode prompted an outpouring of attention from conservative political circles and prompted remarks from public officials who participated in transporting Kirk’s remains. Officials are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the shooting and to prepare for upcoming court proceedings in which charges will be formally prosecuted.