Washington (EFE).- Authorities have arrested Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old Utah resident, accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University with ammunition carrying anti-fascist slogans.
Robinson, identified as the prime suspect, was taken into custody Thursday night near Zion National Park in St. George after agreeing with his father to surrender.
The confirmation of the arrest came after US President Donald Trump revealed during a television interview that “with a high degree of certainty” the alleged killer was in custody.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed Robinson’s arrest, crediting his family with tipping off law enforcement.
“On the night of Sep. 11, a relative of Robinson contacted a family friend, who in turn alerted the County Sheriff’s Office that Robinson had confessed or hinted he was responsible,” Cox said.
Investigators recovered a .30-caliber bolt-action rifle, typically used for hunting, along with spent cartridges and unfired rounds inscribed with disturbing messages such as “Hey, Fascist,” “Get him!,” “If you can read this, you’re gay, lol,” and lines from the Italian resistance anthem Bella Ciao.
Kirk, 31, founder of the conservative youth group Turning Point USA and a close ally of Trump, was shot in the neck Wednesday while leading a debate at Utah Valley University.
He was a father of two and a prominent voice in conservative politics, known for his combative campus appearances and staunch defense of gun rights.
The FBI released security footage showing a man in black fleeing the scene across a campus rooftop. A team of 20 agents has conducted nearly 200 interviews, and authorities initially detained two people before releasing them after confirming they were not involved.
Trump, who described Kirk as “the finest person” and “a giant of his generation,” said he had spoken with Kirk’s widow, Erika Frantzve, who was “devastated” but determined to keep Turning Point alive.
He announced that Kirk will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
Utah officials have said they will seek the death penalty once formal charges are filed. Meanwhile, a reward of up to $100,000 has been offered for additional information related to the case.
Kirk, an evangelical Christian and a polarizing figure on US campuses, built a national profile by hosting confrontational debates with liberal students.
Known for his staunch defense of gun rights, he once argued that “it’s worth having some gun deaths every year so we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights.”
Following the attack, Kirk’s body was flown to Arizona aboard the vice presidential plane, accompanied by Vice President JD Vance, who met with Kirk’s wife and his family.
Vance called him instrumental in the 2024 Republican victory and in shaping Trump’s administration. EFE
ecs-er-sk
