The man accused of gunning down Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk in Utah on Wednesday has been identified as Tyler Robinson, 22, officials said at a Friday press conference.
Robinson is now in custody.
According to Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a family friend alerted authorities Thursday night, saying Robinson had grown “more political in recent years” and was “full of hate.” The friend recalled Robinson bristling at Kirk’s scheduled visit to Utah Valley University and voicing his contempt.
Law enforcement had earlier described the suspect only as a male “of college age.” They say Robinson arrived at a building near campus shortly before noon, climbed a stairwell to the rooftop, and fired the fatal shot before fleeing into a neighborhood. A high-powered rifle believed to be the murder weapon was later recovered in a nearby wooded area.
Investigators revealed that bullet casings bore bizarre engravings — slogans like “Hey fascist! Catch!” and “If you read this you are gay LMAO.” One also carried the phrase bella ciao — the title of an Italian resistance song that became a left-wing anthem during World War II.
Officials released Robinson’s mug shot Friday.
Kirk, 31, was struck in the neck while seated beneath a tent, debating students on transgender mass shooters during an outdoor TPUSA event. Authorities initially detained two people of interest but found no ties to the shooting; one was later charged with obstruction by campus police. At the time of the attack, six campus officers and Kirk’s private security team were stationed among the crowd of roughly 3,000 attendees.
The assassination of the conservative activist has touched off a fresh wave of anger over political violence in America. Hours after the shooting, President Donald Trump denounced what he called poisonous left-wing rhetoric, warning it had fueled the bloodshed.
Robinson could face federal charges as soon as today, Fox News has been told.
There are active discussions and preparations underway to file a federal charge or potentially multiple federal charges against Robinson, a source said to Fox News.
Utah authorities recommended charging Robinson, the suspect accused of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, with aggravated murder, according to a probable cause affidavit.
