The man accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk was being held Friday at the Utah County Jail. A court affidavit says Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm, and obstruction of justice charges. A judge ordered that he be held without bail. Formal charges are expected to be released early next week.
Robinson had indicated to a family friend afterwards that he was responsible, said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. He also cited as key pieces of evidence engravings on bullets found in a rifle believed to have been used in the attack, as well as chatting app messages attributed to the accused shooter that a roommate shared with law enforcement after the shooting.
Here’s what we know so far:
- The suspect: Officials have identified Robinson as the suspect in Kirk’s assassination. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said he is believed to have acted alone and that the investigation is ongoing. The governor would not say if Robinson is cooperating with authorities.
- The arrest: Robinson’s arrest from Thursday night was disclosed by President Trump on Friday morning. Robinson had recently become “more political” and had indicated to a family friend afterwards that he was responsible, said Utah Gov. Spencer Cox. The suspect’s father saw surveillance photos and worked with a pastor to encourage the surrender in Kirk’s killing, according to a law enforcement official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation.
- Utah Gov. Spencer Cox’s plea: Long an advocate for civility, the Republican politician made an impassioned plea for Americans to use the horror of Kirk’s assassination as an inflection point to turn the country away from political violence and division. Speaking specifically to young Americans, he said, “Your generation has an opportunity to build a culture that is very different than what we are suffering through right now.”
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