The man suspected of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, a Utah university student whose father is a member of law enforcement.
Robinson was taken into custody on Thursday evening in southern Utah. It's understood that he confessed to his father, Matt Robinson, who then contacted the authorities and secured his son.
The suspect’s father is a police officer, and his mother, Amber Robinson, works for a company that helps disabled people receive care. Public records indicate that both parents are registered Republicans.
Tyler Robinson was a scholarship student at Utah State University. Social media accounts belonging to the family paint a picture of a typical suburban life, with photos of holidays, smiling selfies, and celebrations for the alleged killer’s college acceptance.
The family lives in a six-bedroom home in Washington, Utah, roughly 260 miles from Orem, where the assassination took place. He has two brothers.
In a press conference on Friday, Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed Robinson's capture, stating, 'Good morning, ladies and gentlemen - we got him.'
Governor Cox revealed that Robinson's family members had told police he had become 'more political in recent years.' They recounted that he had mentioned Kirk's planned visit to Utah Valley University (UVU) and expressed his dislike for the conservative commentator.
Authorities also found casings from the weapon used in the shooting engraved with several anti-fascist messages.
The assassination occurred on Wednesday afternoon while Kirk was speaking to a crowd at UVU. He was struck by a single bullet and collapsed. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Kirk leaves behind his wife, Erika, a three-year-old daughter, and a 16-month-old son.
Officials have stated that if convicted, Robinson will face the death penalty. The arrest followed an intense 33-hour manhunt, with a $100,000 reward offered for information.
