Right-wing activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead during a Utah university event. Police arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson after a 33-hour manhunt.
Shooting of Charlie Kirk at University Event
Charlie Kirk, a right-wing activist, was shot dead while on stage at a university event earlier this week, and a 22-year-old Utah man has been taken into custody in connection with the incident.
After a 33-hour manhunt, Tyler Robinson was apprehended late Thursday after his father assisted in convincing him to turn himself in to the police.
US President Donald Trump first announced his capture and demanded that the culprit be executed.
Americans have been shocked by Kirk’s death, which exposed the nation’s stark ideological divide. Kirk was shot on Wednesday while arguing with students.
Manhunt and Arrest of Tyler Robinson
At a press briefing on Friday, investigators revealed that the suspect had told his father he would prefer to commit suicide than giving himself up.
The father then called a family friend who was a youth pastor. According to the police, both men made an effort to soothe the suspect.
The suspect was taken into custody by the US Marshals at approximately 22:00 local time on Thursday after the pastor, who also works as a court security officer, called them.
Utah Governor’s Statement on the Shooting
According to Utah Governor Spencer Cox, surveillance footage revealed Mr. Robinson coming onto the Utah Valley University campus approximately four hours before the gunshot that killed Kirk and sent students fleeing for their lives.
Cox informed reporters that Mr. Robinson was dressed similarly to what was captured on CCTV at the shooting scene when he was arrested.
Suspect’s Radicalization and Motive
According to a family member who was interrogated by investigators, the suspect has grown more political in recent years.
Cox noted that the family member described a recent instance in which Mr. Robinson claimed that Kirk “was full of hate and spreading hate” and that he was visiting Utah.
Discord Messages and Weapon Discovery
According to Cox, police also had a conversation with the suspect’s flatmate, who showed them texts exchanged with an account called “Tyler” on the Discord chat platform.
The communications revealed that a gun had been retrieved from “a drop point” and was hidden in a bush, wrapped in a towel.
In a wooded area close to campus, the FBI reported Thursday that they discovered the suspected weapon — an imported Mauser .30-06 bolt action rifle — wrapped in a towel.
Rifle Details and Engravings
Cox informed reporters that the rifle, which had a scope fixed on top, was recovered with casings that had inscriptions engraved on them.
“O Bella ciao, Bella ciao” and “Hey fascist! CATCH!” were among the inscriptions. “Bella ciao” translates to “goodbye beautiful” in Italian and is the title of a song honoring the Italian resistance forces who resisted Nazi Germany.
Legal Proceedings Against Robinson
The governor of Utah stated that he was not aware of any possible further arrests in the course of the investigation.
According to state prosecutors, Mr. Robinson will face official charges on Tuesday.
A Utah County Sheriff inmate booking form lists his charges as criminal discharge of a firearm, obstruction of justice, and aggravated homicide.
Utah Valley University Reactions
Utah Valley University students told the BBC that they were glad to learn about the arrest. Since the shooting on Wednesday afternoon, the university has been closed, with police cars and yellow tape obstructing a large portion of the campus.
“He was apprehended in Washington County, which is where I’m from,” said first-year student McKinley Shinkle. “I just feel deeply ashamed.”
“I’m definitely relieved,” added McKinley’s cousin Anthony. “I’m just anxious now to hear his motives and why this happened.”
Suspect’s Background and Family
According to public documents seen by the BBC, Mr. Robinson may have previously registered to vote in Utah as an unaffiliated, or nonpartisan, voter.
According to state records, the suspect’s mother, Amber Denise Robinson, and father, Matthew Carl Robinson, are both registered Republicans.
The BBC’s US partner, CBS News, said voting records show he did not cast a ballot in the most recent presidential election. In 2020, he was too young to vote.
Education and Family Life
About 250 miles (400 km) southwest of the campus where Kirk was shot, in St George, Utah, close to Zion National Park, resides the suspect.
A representative at Utah Valley University (UVU) told the BBC that he is a third-year student enrolled in an electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College in south-west Utah, where he resides.
According to social media profiles, Mr. Robinson’s mother works as a social worker, while his father installs kitchen countertops and cabinets.
The family participates actively in the local church and is Mormon.
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