A nationwide manhunt ended in the arrest of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson following the tragic assassination of conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. The fatal shooting occurred on September 10th, 2025, during a major campus event at Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, Utah, where Kirk was scheduled to speak as part of The American Comeback Tour.
The Day of the Shooting: September 10th, 2025
According to Utah Governor Spencer Cox, the suspect, Tyler Robinson, arrived at UVU’s campus at 8:29 a.m. local time, driving a Grey Dodge Challenger. Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bo Mason explained that investigators tracked Robinson’s movements through stairwells up to the rooftop, where he allegedly took position to carry out the attack.
At approximately 12:07 p.m., a large crowd of about 3,000 people gathered, chanting Kirk’s name in anticipation of his appearance. At 12:09 p.m., Charlie Kirk appeared on stage, distributing hats and engaging with the audience before beginning his address at 12:11 p.m.
Tragically, at 12:23 p.m., Kirk was struck by a single bullet to the neck, reportedly fired from an elevated rooftop location. Witness video footage captured the horrifying scene as six men rushed to carry Kirk to an awaiting SUV, which transported him to Tempenogus Regional Hospital.
Immediately after the shooting, Robinson is believed to have moved to the opposite side of the building, jumped off the roof, and fled into a nearby residential neighborhood. At 12:52 p.m., UVU sent out an alert that police were investigating, and a suspect was temporarily taken into custody but later released after questioning.
The Hunt Intensifies
By 2:22 p.m., ORM Police Department clarified the shooter remained at large. At 2:40 p.m., former President Donald Trump announced Kirk’s death in a heartfelt post, honoring Kirk’s unique connection with America’s youth.
Governor Spencer Cox later confirmed there was a person of interest being questioned, emphasizing, “To whoever did this, we will find you.” At 4:21 p.m., FBI Director Cash Vatel posted that the suspect was in custody, though this turned out to be a person of interest who was ultimately released.
The investigation accelerated through the night. By 7:00 a.m. on September 11th, the FBI announced the recovery of a high-powered bolt-action rifle believed to be the murder weapon. Later that morning, at 9:56 a.m., authorities released images of the suspected shooter and offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to identification and arrest.
Suspect Arrested: September 12th, 2025
The breakthrough came early Friday morning. At 6:00 a.m. Mountain Time, President Trump announced on Fox and Friends that the suspect was in custody. Shortly afterward, at 8:00 a.m., Governor Spencer Cox confirmed during a press conference that Tyler Robinson, a Utah native, had been arrested in St. George, Utah.
The turning point in the case came when Robinson’s father recognized his son in publicly distributed photos and urged him to surrender. Although Robinson initially refused, he eventually complied. His father contacted a youth pastor, who also serves as a US Marshals task force officer. The task force officer advised the father to keep Robinson in place until FBI agents arrived.
A Nation in Mourning
Charlie Kirk’s assassination sent shockwaves through the conservative community and the nation at large. Governor Spencer Cox called the moment “a dark chapter in our nation’s history,” emphasizing the need for unity and accountability. Authorities continue to investigate Robinson’s motive and will potentially pursue federal charges.
As the community prepares to honor Charlie Kirk’s legacy and mourn his loss, the world awaits answers to the fundamental question: Why?