Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, while preparing to speak at Utah Valley University in Orem. Tyler Robinson, 23, has been charged with Kirk's murder and faces the death penalty if convicted. He has pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors allege that Robinson arrived on the university campus in a gray Dodge Challenger shortly before the event. Surveillance footage shows him on campus multiple times throughout the morning, changing his clothing and carrying a backpack, which he later discarded. He was eventually seen climbing onto the roof of a building approximately 450 feet from the outdoor courtyard where Kirk's "Prove Me Wrong" event was scheduled to begin at noon.
Kirk, 31, who led the pro-MAGA youth group Turning Point USA, took the stage at approximately 12:09 p.m. to address an estimated 3,000 attendees. He engaged in a discussion with audience members, responding to questions about Mormonism and transgender individuals. Moments later, at 12:23 p.m., a single shot was fired from the rooftop, striking Kirk in the neck. The bullet, fired from a Mauser .30-06 caliber bolt rifle, caused the crowd to scatter in panic.
Kirk was transported to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Surveillance footage captured the gunman fleeing the roof and heading toward a wooded area off campus.
Following the shooting, authorities received text messages exchanged between Robinson and his roommate, Lance Twiggs. In these messages, Robinson allegedly confessed to the shooting, stating, "I am, I'm sorry." Twiggs, initially disbelieving, questioned Robinson, who then confirmed his involvement.
Law enforcement initially took two individuals into custody who were later released. George Zinn, 71, briefly claimed responsibility to mislead investigators, while Zachariah Qureshi, 25, was released without charge. Investigators quickly determined neither had ties to the shooting.
The investigation identified Robinson as a person of interest after his vehicle's license plate was noted by a campus security officer attempting to access the campus early on September 11. The FBI released photos of the suspect, offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to an arrest.
Robinson's parents, alerted by authorities and concerned by his behavior, persuaded him to surrender to the Washington County sheriff's office on the evening of September 11. He was subsequently transferred to Utah County jail.
On September 12, Governor Spencer Cox, FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls, and other officials identified Tyler Robinson as the suspected killer, stating they believed he acted alone. The rifle used in the assassination was later recovered, wrapped in a towel, in the woods near the campus, along with a footprint, palm print, and forearm impression. A screwdriver was found on the rooftop.
Former President Donald Trump and Utah Governor Spencer Cox were among the prominent figures who reacted to Kirk's death. Trump described Kirk as "The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk" and offered condolences to his family. Governor Cox characterized the event as a "political assassination."