OREM, Utah — Charlie Kirk, a conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on Wednesday at an event at Utah Valley University, and authorities say the suspected shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Video of the event shows Kirk addressing the crowd and praising Mormons minutes before the gunfire, saying, "I love how Mormons send missionaries around the world, I love how polite they are," and adding, "Mormons are great people. Let me just say, I'm an evangelical Christian, but I'm not one of those guys that hates on Mormons." According to law enforcement statements and media reporting, Robinson allegedly fired the shot that killed Kirk shortly after those remarks.
Police arrested Robinson early Friday after he was turned in by his retired police officer father, officials said. Authorities have said Robinson will be charged with aggravated murder and that he acted alone; prosecutors were preparing formal charges. Law enforcement accounts released following the arrest described a tense confrontation in which Robinson threatened to kill himself rather than surrender, according to reporting from multiple outlets.
Neighbors and relatives described Robinson as having attended the LDS church in St. George, Utah, when he was younger. One neighbor told the New York Post that he "went to our church when he was younger." Robinson's grandmother told the Daily Mail she was confused by the killing and said he had not expressed political views to the family.
Reporting from The Post and other outlets said investigators found a message on a bullet at the scene that read, "Hey fascist! Catch!" Officials have not publicly disclosed whether they have determined a motive, and police cautioned that the investigation remains active. Law enforcement sources said the suspect will face an aggravated murder charge; legal proceedings are pending.
The Utah event, attended by students and community members, drew a large and vocal audience. Footage circulating online captured the moments before and after the shooting, showing Kirk speaking and the crowd reacting as the gunfire occurred. Witnesses and campus officials provided statements to investigators in the hours after the attack.
Turning Point USA issued a brief statement confirming Kirk was shot at the university and expressing condolences; university officials said campus safety protocols were activated and that they were cooperating with local law enforcement. Authorities asked anyone with additional information or footage to come forward as they continued to piece together the timeline of the shooting and the suspect's movements before and after the incident.
Robinson's arrest came after his father contacted police, according to public reports. Officials did not immediately provide details about the father's account beyond saying he turned his son in to law enforcement. The suspect's background, including his prior church attendance and family statements, has been included in news reports as investigators work to corroborate details and determine whether others were involved.
The shooting has prompted renewed scrutiny of security at political and campus events and reignited discussion about the safety of prominent political figures and commentators. Law enforcement agencies said they would provide updates as the investigation proceeds and as prosecutors decide formal charges and arraignment scheduling.
Authorities urged patience while they work through forensic evidence, witness interviews and other investigative steps. No motive has been formally announced by investigators, and officials said they would release additional information as it becomes available and as permitted by the ongoing investigation.