Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Robinson was arrested in Washington County, Utah, a several-hours drive away from the shooting

Utah authorities have arrested Tyler Robinson, 22, in connection with the fatal shooting of conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, officials confirmed.

Governor Spencer Cox revealed that Robinson allegedly confessed—or at least implied—to a family member that he was responsible for the attack, prompting the relative to contact law enforcement.

The arrest, which took place in Washington County, Utah, several hours’ drive from the university campus, marks the conclusion of an intense manhunt following the tragic events of Wednesday, September 10.

Kirk, 31, a high-profile conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was attending a campus event when he was shot. Authorities believe Robinson fired from a building approximately 200 yards from the gathering, using a high-powered rifle.

Witnesses at the scene captured shocking footage of the incident, showing the suspect navigating a rooftop before fleeing toward a wooded area.

Video and images released by the FBI and Utah authorities proved instrumental in tracing the suspect’s movements and alerting the public to provide tips.

According to Governor Cox, Robinson did not attend Utah Valley University, and yet his gray Dodge Challenger was spotted on campus on the day of the shooting.

Investigators allege that Robinson had planned his approach meticulously, gathering information and arranging to pick up a rifle from a drop point, as indicated by messages reportedly found on the Discord app and shared by Robinson’s roommate with law enforcement.

Authorities have emphasized that these communications provide insight into Robinson’s actions in the hours leading up to the attack, though no formal evidence suggests the broader planning occurred online.

During a press conference, Cox described the sequence of events that led to Robinson’s arrest. “A family member of Tyler Robinson contacted a family friend, reporting that Robinson had either confessed or implied his involvement in this tragic act,” Cox said.

“The family friend immediately reached out to law enforcement, and we were able to take the suspect into custody.” The governor commended the family member for acting responsibly, noting that their actions were crucial in swiftly apprehending Robinson.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that Robinson was taken into custody late on Thursday, September 11. Officials recovered a high-powered, bolt-action rifle believed to have been used in the shooting in the wooded area adjacent to the campus.

Investigators also found a forearm imprint, a footwear print, and a palm print on the roof from which the suspect allegedly fired, suggesting careful physical planning and premeditation.

The combination of physical evidence and digital communications allowed authorities to build a clear picture of the events surrounding Kirk’s assassination.

Surveillance footage released by law enforcement captured Robinson sprinting across the rooftop before jumping and fleeing, reinforcing reports that the suspect had carefully chosen his vantage point.

“These images, along with tips from the public, were vital in identifying and locating the suspect,” Cox said. “Our team worked tirelessly to bring this case to a resolution.”

In the immediate aftermath, the university and local authorities launched a massive manhunt. Students and faculty at Utah Valley University were placed on alert, and law enforcement coordinated with the FBI and other agencies to track the suspect’s movements.

Within roughly 33 hours of the shooting, Robinson was apprehended, ending a tense period of uncertainty and public fear.

President Donald Trump, speaking on Fox & Friends shortly after the arrest, expressed relief that the suspect had been captured.

“I think with a high degree of certainty we have him in custody,” Trump said. “Someone very close to the suspect turned him in, and local authorities did a great job coordinating this effort. It all worked out.”

The president’s remarks highlighted both the national significance of the case and the extraordinary speed at which law enforcement acted to apprehend Robinson.

Authorities are continuing to investigate Robinson’s motives and potential affiliations. While Governor Cox noted that Robinson had become increasingly political in recent years and reportedly described Kirk as “full of hate,” officials have not indicated any larger conspiracy.

“At this time, we do not have information suggesting additional suspects,” Cox confirmed, emphasizing that the investigation remains active but focused.

Robinson remains in custody, and Utah authorities are working to file formal charging documents within the legal timeframe.

The suspect is expected to face charges related to the murder of Charlie Kirk, and the case may involve considerations of aggravated circumstances due to the targeted nature of the attack on a public figure during a political event.

The tragic loss of Kirk has sent shockwaves across political and social media communities. Students, colleagues, and supporters mourned his death, reflecting on his work as a conservative voice on college campuses and his national profile as a political commentator.

Authorities continue to urge anyone with additional information regarding the events of September 10 to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.

This arrest, stemming from a combination of digital evidence, eyewitness accounts, and quick family intervention, underscores the complex and multi-layered nature of modern law enforcement in high-profile cases.

As the investigation continues, officials are committed to ensuring that justice is served for Charlie Kirk and his family, while also addressing public concerns about safety on college campuses and political events.

The story of Tyler Robinson’s alleged actions and arrest remains a developing situation, with authorities warning that further details about the investigation and charges may emerge in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities public figures can face, the rapid pace of criminal investigations, and the crucial role of community and familial intervention in preventing prolonged threats to public safety.