OREM, Utah — Authorities have released the mugshot of Tyler Robinson, 22, the man accused of assassinating conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University (UVU) on Wednesday.

Robinson was taken into custody late Thursday night near St. George, Utah, approximately 250 miles southwest of the UVU campus where the shooting occurred.

According to investigators, Robinson confessed to his father that he was responsible for the attack. His father, identified as Washington County Sheriff Mike Robinson, immediately contacted authorities, secured his son, and turned him over to federal agents.

Investigators interviewed a family member of Robinson, who stated that Robinson had become more political in recent years.

The family member referenced a recent incident in which Robinson came to dinner, prior to September 10, 2025, and in conversation with another family member, Robinson mentioned Charlie Kirk was coming to UVU. They talked about why they didn’t like him and the viewpoints he had.

The family member also stated Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate.

The family member also confirmed Robinson had a grey Dodge Challenger.

The arrest was finalized around 11:00 p.m. local time, with Robinson booked into the Utah County Jail at 7:58 a.m. MT Friday, following an official arrest time logged at 4:00 a.m. MT.

At a Thursday night press conference, officials announced Robinson will face capital charges and could be subject to the death penalty if convicted.

Law enforcement revealed that Robinson messaged his roommate prior to the shooting, instructing him to retrieve the rifle allegedly used in the attack.

Investigators also disclosed that shell casings recovered from the scene contained engraved writings and symbols. Among the markings were:

• Fired casing: “Notices bulges. OwO What’s this?”
• Unfired casings:
• 1. “Hey fascist! Catch!
• 2. “O Bella Ciao, Bella Ciao, Bella Ciao Ciao Ciao”
• 3. “If you read this, you are gay lmao”

A Mauser .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle believed to have been the murder weapon was recovered in a wooded area near the UVU campus.

The firearm was wrapped in a towel, with one spent cartridge still chambered and three live rounds in the magazine. The weapon and ammunition have been turned over to the FBI for DNA and fingerprint analysis, with the ATF conducting additional forensic examinations.

Surveillance footage from the day of the attack shows a man dressed in black, moving with a noticeable hobble as he walked toward the UVU campus around 11:49 a.m. Wednesday. Authorities believe the rifle was concealed under his clothing. By 11:52 a.m., the suspect was on campus.

Investigators said Robinson climbed onto the roof of an adjacent building and fired a single fatal round into a crowded courtyard where Kirk was speaking to approximately 3,000 people at his “Prove Me Wrong” debate event. After the shot, Robinson was seen fleeing the area on foot.

Little is publicly known about Robinson’s recent activities, but family members told investigators he had become “more political” in recent years and had expressed disdain for Charlie Kirk in the weeks leading up to the shooting.

A newly surfaced video circulating online shows Robinson receiving a scholarship award to Utah State University, where he had reportedly been enrolled.

On Friday morning, President Donald Trump confirmed the suspect had been arrested, noting that Robinson had been “turned in by his own father.” Trump praised law enforcement for the quick response and paid tribute to Kirk, calling him “a great patriot and friend.”

The White House announced that Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance will accompany Kirk’s body aboard Air Force Two to his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona.

Utah officials urged calm in the wake of the attack.

“This is a tragic moment for Utah and for our country,” a spokesperson for the Utah Department of Public Safety said. “We are committed to ensuring justice is served.”

The FBI continues to request information from the public through its digital tip line at fbi.gov/UtahValleyShooting.