A social media image shows Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the fatal shooting of US conservative commentator Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University, in Orem, Utah, US. —Facebook

Tyler Robinson: What we know about the man accused of shooting Charlie Kirk dead

At 18, Tyler Robinson seemed destined for success.

A social media image shows Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the fatal shooting of US conservative commentator Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University, in Orem, Utah, US. 

—FacebookThe suspect in Charlie Kirk's shooting, Tyler Robinson, is a 22-year-old Utah native who authorities...

The Utah teen had scored in the top percentile on his college entrance exam, securing a four-year scholarship to Utah State University in Logan. His mother proudly shared a Facebook video of her eldest son, the first of three children, reading aloud the acceptance letter. 

“He’s so excited to start his journey, and it’s going to be so amazing for him!” she wrote at the time.

But four years later, Robinson’s promising path took a dark turn. Authorities say the now-22-year-old climbed atop a building at Utah Valley University on Tuesday and fired a rifle shot that killed conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, sparking fresh concerns about escalating political violence in the United States.

Investigators have yet to determine an exact motive but revealed early findings during a Friday press conference announcing Robinson’s arrest. Utah Governor Spencer Cox said a family member told police that Robinson had recently discussed Kirk’s scheduled appearance on campus. 

“They talked about why they didn’t like him and the viewpoints he had,” Cox explained, though he provided no further detail.

According to investigators, Robinson had grown more political in recent years. Bullet casings recovered with the suspected murder weapon carried engravings of anti-fascist messages.

Robinson was arrested late Thursday on charges of aggravated murder and related offenses. State records show no prior criminal history. He was registered to vote but unaffiliated with any party, listed as “inactive” 

After not casting a ballot in the last presidential election between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris.

At the time of the shooting, Robinson was living with his parents in Washington, a small farming and residential community near Zion National Park. His gray Dodge Challenger, which investigators say he drove to the crime scene, remained parked outside the family’s stucco home on Friday as reporters, police cars, and curious neighbors gathered.

Those who knew the Robinsons described them as a respectable family. “Great family, good kids,” 

Said Steven Green, a fellow member of their local Mormon church, though he admitted he didn’t know Tyler well. 

Former high school classmate Canaan Timothy remembered him as “just your average kid… quiet, but not too quiet,” who spent time with the school band.

Robinson’s arrest came after a 33-hour manhunt. Officials said a family friend contacted authorities, claiming Robinson had confessed—or at least implied—responsibility for Kirk’s killing. Two other individuals detained during the search were later released.

Robinson’s academic history paints a picture of a bright student. He graduated from Pine View High School in 2021, scoring 34 on the ACT, placing him in the top 1% of test takers nationwide. 

Though he attended Utah State University briefly, he left after a semester. At the time of his arrest, he was a third-year student in an electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College.

Social media posts from his mother—most of which were deleted after the shooting—highlighted family life rather than politics. Photos and captions chronicled vacations to Alaska, the Caribbean, and Disneyland; 

Celebrated school plays and Halloween costumes; and showed her three sons growing up. Some posts featured the boys with firearms, not unusual in Utah where gun laws are permissive.

Robinson remains in custody at Utah County Jail in Spanish Fork, about 12 miles south of the university where Kirk was shot. Prosecutors have not yet filed formal charges.