Federal authorities arrested Tyler Robinson, 22, of Washington, Utah, on Thursday evening after he surrendered to local law enforcement and was identified as the suspect in the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, officials said.
A law enforcement official said Robinson allegedly confessed to his father, who recognized him from images released by authorities and persuaded him to turn himself in with assistance from a local youth pastor. The FBI took Robinson into custody in southern Utah, the official said.
Authorities have described Robinson as having become increasingly engaged in political views before the shooting. Investigators quoted him as having said during a recent dinner that "Charlie Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate," according to officials familiar with the investigation. Federal and local agents are continuing to investigate the motive and the circumstances that led to the shooting in Orem, Utah; officials have not released a final motive.
Robinson is the son of Amber Robinson and grew up in Washington, Utah, a community about 260 miles south of Orem. Family social media accounts contain numerous photographs of Robinson and his two younger brothers growing up, and posts show the family posing at outdoor sites and at shooting ranges. Some images showed Robinson posing with high-powered weapons, including what appears to be an M2 Browning .50-caliber machine gun and a shoulder-fired weapon. A photograph from 2017 posted by his mother showed Robinson in a Donald Trump Halloween costume.
Neighbors and relatives described a different portrait. Kristin Schwiermann, 66, who lives nearby, said Robinson appeared "very respectful and quiet" and "had friends," adding that he came from a "very loving family." Social media images and posts by family members show routine family activities and celebrations, according to public posts.
Public reaction to the arrests and to the family’s social media accounts has been intense, with critical comments appearing on some family photos since authorities confirmed Robinson as a suspect. Investigators released images to the public as part of a search earlier in the week, and Robinson's father recognized him from those images, the law enforcement official said.
Robinson attended Utah State University for one semester in 2021 before withdrawing and returning home, a university spokesman said. According to public posts, he later enrolled in an electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College. The family lived in a six-bedroom home in Washington, Utah, and photos posted by relatives show family events and outings over several years.
President Donald Trump responded to the arrest, saying he hoped Robinson would be found guilty and would receive the death penalty. Trump’s comment was among the strongest public reactions to the case from national political figures.
Federal and local authorities in Utah and the FBI have taken the lead on the criminal investigation. Officials indicated that the case remains active and that charges will be determined as investigators collect evidence and consult with prosecutors. Robinson’s arrest follows a multiagency effort that included the release of public images and tips solicited from the public.
At this stage, authorities have not released a full timeline of events leading to the shooting or a complete list of charges against Robinson. Officials urged the public to direct tips and inquiries to the FBI and local law enforcement channels as the probe continues.
The case has drawn national attention because of the profile of the victim and the involvement of federal agents. Investigators have said they will provide additional information when appropriate, and prosecutors will review evidence to determine formal charges. Court proceedings and pretrial matters are expected to follow as officials move forward with the case.