When political activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated in September 2025, a feverish manhunt ensued to catch his killer. Just 33 hours later, then-22-year-old Tyler Robinson turned himself in and allegedly confessed to the crime, sparking intense public scrutiny.
Kirk’s murder ignited a massive media frenzy and heated debate about political violence in the United States, with many speculating about Robinson’s motive. While he has not yet entered a plea, prosecutors argue the attack was politically motivated, alleging Robinson believed Kirk was spreading hatred with his controversial views and influence in right-wing politics.
Robinson is now potentially facing the death penalty for aggravated murder and other felony charges.
Here’s what we know about suspect Tyler Robinson and the case against him so far.
Who Is Tyler Robinson?
Born on April 6, 2003, Tyler James Robinson grew up in a middle-class, conservative family in Washington, Utah. He was raised Mormon by parents, Amber and Matt Robinson, alongside his brothers Austin and Logan. His mother is a social worker and his father runs a company specializing in kitchen countertops.
A high-achieving student, Robinson graduated from Pine View High School in 2021 with a 4.0 GPA and earned a merit scholarship to Utah State University, though he left after one semester.
At the time of his arrest, he was in his third year of an electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College and was living in an apartment in St. George, Utah.
What Happened to Charlie Kirk?
On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk, 31, was fatally shot in the neck while speaking at a “Prove Me Wrong” debate event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The Turning Point USA cofounder was talking about transgender people’s involvement in mass shootings when he was hit by a sniper positioned on a rooftop overlooking the outdoor campus venue.
Authorities later discovered a bolt-action rifle, as well as four bullet casings engraved with meme and video game–related phrases, including, “Hey fascist! Catch!” followed by a series of gaming arrows, “notices bulges OWO what’s this?,” “O bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao ciao ciao,” and “If you read this you are gay LMAO.”
Immediately following the murder, the FBI and Utah law enforcement took two people into custody for questioning before releasing them. Around 33 hours later, on September 11, Robinson turned himself in at the Washington County Sheriff’s Department after his parents recognized him from surveillance photos. The gun recovered from the crime scene also matched a rifle given to Robinson by his grandfather.
Robinson had reportedly been planning on killing himself, but his parents convinced him to talk to a youth pastor and take accountability for the crime. They accompanied him to the police station, along with a family friend who used to work in law enforcement. He was subsequently arrested and charged with aggravated murder, felony use of a firearm, obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and committing a violent act in the presence of a child.
What Was Tyler Robinson’s Motive?
Prosecutors allege Robinson killed Kirk due to his polarizing political statements. According to charging documents, he told his parents after Kirk’s murder, “there is too much evil and the guy [Charlie Kirk] spreads too much hate.”
Robinson also reportedly left a note for his live-in romantic partner Luna Twiggs, who is trans, about his plans before the crime. “I had the opportunity to take Charlie Kirk out and I’m going to take it,” the note read.
He later responded to Twiggs’s demand for an explanation with: “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”
Robinson’s mother reportedly told authorities he had become more vocal about politics in the months leading up to the shooting, espousing beliefs that were “pro-gay and trans rights.” While Robinson was a registered voter, he was not affiliated with any major political party and his voter status is inactive.
In addition to alleged statements and texts to both Twiggs and his parents, he reportedly confessed to Kirk’s murder on the platform Discord, messaging friends that he was responsible for the shooting. “It was me at UVU yesterday. im sorry for all of this,” he allegedly wrote.
What’s Next for Tyler Robinson?
Robinson, now 23, is currently being held without bail at Utah County Jail in Spanish Fork, Utah.
In June, Fourth District Court Judge Tony Graf ruled that the death penalty is still on the table if Robinson is convicted. Graf also held prosecutor Christopher Ballard in civil contempt for speaking to the media about Robinson’s presumed guilt. The judge previously ruled in May that cameras will be allowed in the courtroom should the case go to trial.
Robinson has not yet entered a plea, but will likely do so after his upcoming preliminary hearing, which is scheduled to begin on July 6. Kirk’s parents and widow Erika Kirk are expected to attend.
At the hearing, Robinson’s former partner Twiggs will testify against him in a prerecorded video, in which she allegedly told investigators he confessed to the crime and told her not to go to the police.
Check back with Biography for the latest updates in Robinson’s case.
Catherine Caruso joined the Biography.com staff in August 2024, having previously worked as a freelance journalist for several years. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she studied English literature. When she’s not working on a new story, you can find her reading, hitting the gym, or watching too much TV.
