OREM, Utah — Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and prominent voice in the political and media landscape, was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University. A suspect, 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson, is now in custody. Amid immense grief, Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, has declared that she will do all she can to ensure Charlie’s mission, company, and ideals continue.
Charlie Kirk was delivering remarks at an “American Comeback Tour” event when he was shot in the neck by a rifle fired from a rooftop at Utah Valley University in Orem.
Within roughly 33 hours of the killing, law enforcement arrested Tyler James Robinson, a Utah resident, after his father recognized him in publicly-released photos. Authorities also say Robinson had made incriminating statements to a family friend.
He is being held at the Utah County Jail without bail, facing multiple serious state felony charges. These include aggravated murder, a capital felony under Utah law that could carry the death penalty or life imprisonment; felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury; and obstruction of justice.
Investigators have cited a number of pieces of evidence: bullet casings found at the scene that bore inscriptions such as “Hey fascist, catch!” and references to “Bella Ciao,” a well-known anti-fascist song; digital communications, including messages exchanged on Discord about retrieving a rifle and disposing of evidence.
The next steps in the legal process will include his formal arraignment, establishment of probable cause, entry of plea, pre-trial motions, discovery, and likely trial. Because of the aggravated murder charge and the political nature of the case, there may be requests for enhanced security, debates over venue, and possibly federal involvement. If convicted of aggravated murder as charged, Robinson could face the death penalty under Utah law.
