UPDATED SEPTEMBER 17, 2025: The 22-year-old male authorities believe shot Charlie Kirk at an event last week at Utah Valley University admitted to doing so in a text message to his roommate, prosecutors say.
The roommate texted Tyler Robinson about the shooting, according to court documents. The suspect then texted the unidentified roommate to “look under my keyboard” where he found a note saying, “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it,” the court documents allege. Robinson allegedly told his roommate that he had “enough of his (Kirk’s) hatred,” reports CBS News.
Robinson also told his roommate he was worried about retrieving his rifle. A rifle was allegedly found in the woods near the scene of the shooting.
The suspect has been charged and is facing the death penalty.
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 12, 2025, 1:15 P.M., PACIFIC:
Authorities say they have captured the gunman believed to have killed Charlie Kirk at a Utah Valley University event on Wednesday.
His name is Tyler Robinson, 22, from Utah, reports NBC News. A family member, possibly his father, turned him in. He was apprehended about 250 miles away, reports the New York Times. He has no criminal history and is a registered voter in Utah without a party affiliation. Utah State University said Robinson briefly attended the school four years ago.
A message found on the fired shell casing referred to an internet meme tied to animated videos and furry culture, reports USA Today. A message on one of the unfired casings referred to an antifascist World War II anthem used by the Italian resistance. A message on another unfired casing said, “Hey fascist! Catch!” while a third said, “If you’re reading this, you’re gay LMAO.”
He’s being held without bail and is facing aggravated murder charges. He is not cooperating with investigators, reports CNN. A member of his family told investigators that before the shooting, Robinson had spoken negatively about Kirk. He will most likely appear in court on Tuesday.
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 11, 2025, 3:13 P.M. PACIFIC
As authorities continue to investigate the shooting of Charlie Kirk, the FBI released images of a person of interest.
On X, the FBI posted the following:
“We are asking for the public’s help identifying this person of interest in connection with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. 1-800-CALL-FBI Digital media tips: fbi.gov/utahvalleyshoo
A reward of $100,000 is also being offered for information and identification of the individual(s) responsible for the shooting.
OREM, Utah — Right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot while hosting an event at Utah Valley University (UVU) Wednesday afternoon.
Kirk, known for his conservative viewpoints and activism, was speaking to students at an event organized by his nonprofit political group, Turning Point USA. The event was held under a tent in UVU’s Sorensen Center courtyard, displaying themes like “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong,” reports WTOP.
Details of the UVU Shooting
Around two minutes into the session, a single gunshot was heard, after which Kirk was seen clutching his neck, bleeding profusely. The immediate aftermath was chaotic, with attendees gasping in shock before fleeing the scene, reports the Associated Press.
Kirk was immediately taken to a local hospital by his security detail where he was pronounced dead, reports ABC News.
Initially an older man who is not a student was apprehended by police. However, he did not match the suspect’s description.
UVU’s video surveillance system caught footage of the suspect. The gunman was dressed in dark clothing and was described by authorities in a news conference on Thursday as a college-aged male who blended into the campus community. They said they are confident he will be apprehended.
Another person of interest was taken into custody after the shooting, however, that individual was released Wednesday evening, reports CNN.
A UVU spokesperson said in a statement that the gunman shot Kirk from about 200 feet away. The suspect fired the shot from the roof of a campus building in a targeted attack and then fled to a nearby wooded area. The high-powered bolt-action rifle believed to be used in the shooting was found there, and it had a palm print and forearm imprints on it.
Authorities are also looking at footwear impressions that might belong to the gunman.
Immediately after the shooting, the university was evacuated as a precaution and classes were cancelled.
Online Petition Called for Banning Charlie Kirk’s Campus Visit
The presence of Kirk on campus had already sparked controversy. An online petition calling for the event’s cancellation garnered nearly 1,000 signatures, reflecting the divided opinions on his appearance.
Related Article: Managing Controversial Speakers on College Campuses
UVU officials had previously defended the event, citing First Amendment rights and emphasizing its commitment to free speech and intellectual inquiry.
The event’s security measures have come under scrutiny, as UVU did not employ weapons detection equipment for the event, reports NBC News. Kirk did have personal security with him at the time of the shooting and there were six officers providing security at the event. More than 3,000 people attended the debate, reports CNN.
This shooting at UVU is part of a troubling trend of rising political violence in the United States. Recent incidents include the assassination of a Minnesota state legislator and her husband, the firebombing of a Colorado parade, and an arson attack at the Pennsylvania governor’s residence. Both Democrats and Republicans are condemning Wednesday’s attack.
The FBI has received more than 200 tips from the public thus far, reports CNN.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
