Tyler Robinson, 22, a Utah native once hailed as a promising student, has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 9, 2025. The incident, which occurred during a Turning Point USA event, has sparked renewed national concern over political violence.

Robinson, who previously earned a four-year scholarship to Utah State University after scoring in the top percentile on his college entrance exam, had briefly attended the university before leaving. He is now a third-year student in the electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College. Authorities say he acted alone in the shooting.

At the time of the incident, Robinson lived at his parents’ home in Washington, Utah, a small residential and farming community near Zion National Park. Officials report that he drove a gray Dodge Challenger to the scene and fired from a rooftop approximately 200 yards from the event stage. Bullet casings recovered from the scene were engraved with messages authorities describe as anti-fascist.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox noted that a family member told investigators Robinson had recently discussed Kirk and expressed disagreement with his political viewpoints. While officials have yet to determine a precise motive, Robinson had reportedly become more politically active in recent years. Neighbors describe the Robinson family as ordinary and close-knit. Classmates recall Robinson as a quiet, music-loving student who participated in the school band. His mother frequently posted about family milestones and vacations on social media, though most of these posts were removed following the shooting.

Robinson was arrested without incident on Thursday evening, ending a 33-hour manhunt that initially included two other persons of interest who were later released. He currently faces charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious injury, and obstruction of justice, and is being held without bail at Utah County Jail. He has no prior criminal record and has not yet been formally charged. The tragic event has drawn widespread attention, with leaders across the political spectrum urging reflection on the growing intensity of political discourse in the United States. Investigators continue to probe the circumstances that led to the shooting.