Authorities have arrested a 22-year-old Utah man for the murder this week of MAGA activist Charlie Kirk.
Governor Spencer Cox of Utah announced during a press briefing that Tyler Robinson was apprehended after a family member contacted a friend, who then alerted the authorities.
Previously, President Donald Trump informed Fox News that it was Robinson’s father who reported him, with the Daily Mail noting that Robinson’s father is a seasoned member of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department.
The governor mentioned that Robinson had become increasingly political in recent times and had previously expressed negative views about Kirk, accusing him of harboring and spreading hatred.
Further details of the investigation were shared by Spencer, noting that the suspect was seen arriving at Utah Valley University in a gray Dodge Charger the morning of the incident. It was later confirmed that Robinson owned a vehicle fitting that description. Messages from Robinson’s roommate on Discord revealed discussions about retrieving a rifle from the area where the weapons were eventually discovered.
And Spencer provided information about engravings on bullets but declined to interpret them.
One fired casing had a peculiar message: “notices bulges oWo what’s this?” Meanwhile, unfired casings were inscribed with phrases like “hey fascist! Catch!” “if you read this you are gay,” and “oh bella ciao.”
Following the murder of Kirk, who was shot in the neck during his appearance at Utah Valley University, authorities launched a search for the shooter, CrimeOnline reported. The FBI subsequently released surveillance images on Thursday showing a “person of interest” clad in a black t-shirt, blue jeans, a dark hat, and dark sunglasses.
Later Thursday, the FBI released a video showing a man in dark clothing run across the roof of the Losee Center at Utah Valley University after the shooting, then drop down the one story to the grass below. He gathers up a bag he’s carrying and runs across the yard to a nearby street.
The FBI said investigators found the gun used in the killing “in a wooded area near the university.”
“Trace evidence collected from the rooftop scene included shoe impressions, a forearm imprint, and a palm imprint,” the agency said.
On Thursday, three sources told CBS News they had a name for a person of interest, but the same sources later said that name “didn’t pan out.”
Politicians on both sides of the aisle swiftly condemned the shooting and political violence of all kinds. Such political attacks have seen a rapid increase in recent months, including the murders of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband in June by a man impersonating a police officer. That man also critically injured another state politician and his wife and had a list of dozens of Democratic lawmakers he wanted to target.
In April, a man broke into the home of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and set it on fire. The family escaped without harm.
Trump himself has been the target of two assassination attempts, both by disgruntled supporters.
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