A 22-year-old from Utah has been arrested over the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead while on stage at a university event earlier this week. Tyler Robinson was taken into custody late on Thursday after a 33-hour manhunt that ended when his father persuaded him to surrender to police.
His arrest was first announced by President Donald Trump, who called for the suspect to face the death penalty. The killing of Kirk, who was shot while debating students on Wednesday, has shocked Americans and highlighted the nation's political divisions.
At a news conference on Friday, investigators stated that the suspect confessed to his father he would rather die than surrender. After discussions with his father and a family friend, Robinson surrendered about 22:00 local time.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox shared that surveillance images depicted Robinson arriving at the Utah Valley University campus four hours before the deadly incident.
Robinson became increasingly political in recent years, according to family members. There were indications of a potential motive, as he had previously mentioned his disdain for Kirk's views.
Police found the suspected murder weapon, a Mauser .30-06 rifle, hidden near the campus with distinct engravings referring to political resistance.
The situation has left the campus community relieved but shaken, as students await clearer motives behind such a violent act.
His arrest was first announced by President Donald Trump, who called for the suspect to face the death penalty. The killing of Kirk, who was shot while debating students on Wednesday, has shocked Americans and highlighted the nation's political divisions.
At a news conference on Friday, investigators stated that the suspect confessed to his father he would rather die than surrender. After discussions with his father and a family friend, Robinson surrendered about 22:00 local time.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox shared that surveillance images depicted Robinson arriving at the Utah Valley University campus four hours before the deadly incident.
Robinson became increasingly political in recent years, according to family members. There were indications of a potential motive, as he had previously mentioned his disdain for Kirk's views.
Police found the suspected murder weapon, a Mauser .30-06 rifle, hidden near the campus with distinct engravings referring to political resistance.
The situation has left the campus community relieved but shaken, as students await clearer motives behind such a violent act.
