Authorities have revealed key details about the investigation that led to the arrest of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, the suspect accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
Robinson was taken into custody Friday in St. George, Utah, within 33 hours of the shooting.
Law enforcement officials credit rapid evidence collection, digital forensics, and tips from the public, including a critical role played by the suspect’s own family, for the swift arrest.
What led to the arrest?
Utah Governor Spencer Cox revealed that a family member of Robinson had contacted a family friend, who then alerted a sheriff with information suggesting that Robinson had confessed to his involvement in the shooting.
At a Friday press conference, Utah Governor Spencer Cox commended the family’s cooperation, stating, “They did the right thing, and that helped bring this case to a swift resolution.”
FBI’s statement
According to investigators, the case began to come together through a combination of physical evidence and surveillance video obtained shortly after the shooting.
Footage released by the FBI showed the suspect jumping from the roof of a building on the UVU campus shortly after the shooting occurred.
He was seen wearing Converse sneakers, a detail that later helped investigators match him to shoe impressions found at the scene, along with a palm print and forearm impressions.
Beau Mason, commissioner of the Utah Department of Public Safety, said the evidence “narrowed down the suspect’s identity and confirmed his presence at the crime scene.”
Investigators say a high-powered bolt-action rifle was recovered in a wooded area near the university, wrapped in a towel and hidden in a bush.
According to law enforcement sources, the weapon, an older model imported Mauser .30-06 caliber rifle contained a spent cartridge in its chamber. The gun is being sent to the FBI’s Quantico lab for further forensic analysis, including fingerprint and DNA testing.
Governor Cox disclosed that investigators also obtained digital messages between Robinson and his roommate.
The texts referenced retrieving and hiding a rifle, observing the area from a distance, and even noted that the rifle was “unique” and engraved.
Among the more disturbing elements were the engravings found on shell casings at the scene. One spent casing read, “Notices Bulge OWO what’s this??”
While another read “Hey fascist! CATCH!” accompanied by arrow symbols. Other unfired casings included phrases like “O Bella ciao, Bella ciao, Bella ciao, ciao, ciao!” and “If you read this, you are GAY Lmao.”
Cox said the messages and engravings painted a picture of premeditation and ideological motive.
Authorities believe Robinson had knowledge of the UVU campus layout and had taken time to plan the attack. According to the FBI, more than 7,000 tips were received during the investigation, and over 200 interviews were conducted.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls said that the shooter exhibited proficiency with firearms and tactical movement, , adding that the recovered rifle and its modifications supported that assessment.
Arrest happened within 33 hours of the shooting
Governor Cox referred to the shooting as a “political assassination,” citing conversations Robinson had with family members about Kirk’s campus appearance the night before the incident.
Investigators are continuing to examine Robinson’s political activity and motivations.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrest during a Friday press briefing, noting that federal agents were on the scene within 16 minutes of the shooting and identified the suspect within 33 hours.
The FBI has offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of those involved in the attack, suggesting that investigators are still pursuing potential accomplices or sources of support.
“This remains a very active investigation,” Patel said. “We are working closely with state and local partners to ensure that every piece of evidence is collected and analysed.”
Robinson remains in federal custody as formal charges are expected in the coming days.