FRIDAY 1PM UPDATE: Accused Charlie Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson threatened to kill himself rather than surrender to authorities after his father confronted him about the sickening murder, according to law enforcement sources.
The father recognized his 22-year-old son from photos of the suspected shooter that were released by authorities Thursday, leading the parent to confront his son when he returned home, sources said.
Robinson ‘fessed up to the horrific shooting when his dad asked if he pulled the trigger — but originally refused to turn himself in to law enforcement, according to sources.
He told his father he’d rather kill himself, leading the parent to convince his son to speak with their youth minister, who also happens to be a US Marshals Service fugitive task force officer, sources said.
The minister then called a deputy with the federal agency, and the FBI took Robinson into custody, sources said.
Robinson has been arrested on aggravated murder charges. It’s believed he acted alone.
earlier story...
FRIDAY 8AM UPDATE: President Trump announced early Friday that a suspect has been arrested for Charlie Kirk’s assassination. “I think, with a high degree of certainty, we have him,” Trump told “Fox & Friends” during a live interview at the cable giant’s Manhattan studio, saying he heard just minutes before his 8 a.m. interview. Somebody who was very close to him turned him in,” the president said, saying it was relayed through “a minister who was involved with law enforcement. “I hope he’s going to be found guilty and I hope he gets the death penalty.”
The suspect was allegedly believed to have fired a single shot from an elevated position about 200 yards from the tent where Kirk, 31, was seated at the university’s Losee Center, authorities and sources previously told The Post.
- Suspect Details: Authorities describe the suspect as a college-aged male who "blended in" with the university community, likely with proficiency in handling a high-powered rifle and familiarity with the campus layout. The suspect fired a single shot from a rooftop and fled into a nearby neighborhood after jumping off the roof.
- Weapon Recovery: The FBI recovered a high-powered bolt-action rifle in a wooded area near the university, believed to be the murder weapon. It is being analyzed for clues to identify the suspect.
- Surveillance and Leads: Investigators have security camera footage tracking the suspect’s movements before and after the shooting, though the quality is reportedly poor. The suspect was seen wearing dark clothing, possibly with a US flag image on their shirt, a cap, and sunglasses. The FBI has released photos of a person of interest and is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
Video shows Charlie Kirk assassin jumping down from roof and escaping pic.twitter.com/DnbC9Mqscm
— Daily Mail (@DailyMail) September 12, 2025
- Public Appeal: Utah officials, including Governor Spencer Cox, have made urgent pleas for public assistance, sharing new footage of the suspect casually leaving the scene. Authorities are pursuing "multiple leads" and have postponed some press conferences due to "rapid developments" in the investigation.
- Investigation Status: Federal, state, and local law enforcement are collaborating, with the FBI leading efforts. Two individuals were detained but released after being cleared of involvement. No motive has been confirmed, though President Trump indicated he has "an indication" of the attacker’s motive, which authorities are exploring.
🚨WATCH: Erika Kirk, wife of Charlie Kirk, steps off Air Force Two in Phoenix, Arizona, hand-in-hand with Second Lady Usha Vance, followed by Vice President JD Vance, as they arrive with Charlie Kirk’s casket. pic.twitter.com/TvFRPA0nHQ
— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) September 12, 2025