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Utah’s governor on Friday identified 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the suspect in the killing of U.S. conservative activist Charlie Kirk, following a nationwide manhunt.
Gov. Spencer Cox named Robinson at a press conference shortly after President Donald Trump revealed on Fox News that the suspect had been taken into custody.
Trump, who described Kirk as a “close ally,” said Robinson was turned in by someone close to him and suggested the death penalty should be pursued. “I think, with a high degree of certainty, we have him,” Trump said in a live interview. “He’s in custody.”
Kirk, 31, was killed by a single gunshot to the neck during an appearance at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Police said the shooter fired from a rooftop up to 200 yards (180 meters) away. Surveillance video showed a figure fleeing across rooftops before disappearing into nearby trees, where investigators later recovered a bolt-action rifle.
Trump said the suspect was identified using photos released by authorities. He added that Robinson confessed to his father, who helped secure him until police could detain him.
“Somebody very close to him turned him in,” Trump said. “It was a minister… then it was his father who said, ‘we’ve got to go in.’”
CNN reported Robinson confessed directly to his father before being taken to police headquarters.
Hundreds of agents from more than 20 law enforcement agencies were involved in the search for the gunman.
Gov. Cox said Utah would seek the death penalty in the case, and Trump endorsed the move. “I hope he gets the death penalty,” Trump told Fox.
Reflecting the political weight of the killing, Vice President JD Vance accompanied Kirk’s coffin to Phoenix on Air Force Two. Video showed Vance placing his hands on the casket as it was carried from the plane.
The shooting rattled students at Utah Valley University. “It made me sick to my stomach,” said Dave Sanchez, 26. “It feels like one of your own family members, your own brother’s been killed.”
At a vigil in Orem Park, several hundred mourners wearing red “Make America Great Again” caps prayed and held a moment of silence. “It still feels insane that this happened,” said Jonathan Silva, 35. “It’s totally surreal.”
Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 to promote conservative politics among young people. A father of two, he built a massive following on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube with videos promoting anti-immigration policies, gun rights, and Christian values. He was widely recognized for viral debate clips at college campuses and frequent appearances on television.
Supporters have described him as a “martyr,” while right-wing media figures expressed grief and outrage over his death. Trump, however, urged followers to respond peacefully.
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