Suspected Kirk Assassin Makes Statement To Police After Arrest

Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of assassinating Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, has hired an attorney and cut off communication with investigators, according to multiple reports.

CNN reported, citing a source familiar with the matter, that Robinson initially cooperated but has since gone silent. He remains in custody without bail at Utah County Jail. Prosecutors are expected to file charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, and obstruction of justice within days, NBC News confirmed.

Court documents show Robinson has no prior criminal record.

Political Motive Emerges

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said investigators now believe Robinson acted alone. He also revealed that Robinson made disparaging remarks about Kirk just days before the attack during a family dinner.

“The family member referenced a recent incident in which Robinson came to dinner … and in the conversation with another family member, Robinson mentioned Charlie Kirk was coming to [Utah Valley University],” Cox said.
“They talked about why they didn’t like him and the viewpoints that he had. The family member also stated Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate.”

Robinson was arrested Thursday night after his father recognized him in FBI photos and persuaded him to surrender. At first, Robinson threatened to kill himself, the Daily Mail reported, but was convinced otherwise after speaking with a local youth minister who also works with the U.S. Marshals Service.

Rifle Stash and Online Trail

Cox also confirmed Robinson’s roommate directed investigators to Discord messages describing a rifle hidden in a bush, bullets engraved, and plans to change clothing. Officers later recovered a Mauser Model 98 bolt-action rifle with a mounted scope wrapped in a towel near Utah Valley University.

Final Moments

Kirk, 31, was answering a student’s question about transgender mass shooters during a campus event when Robinson allegedly opened fire, fatally striking him in the neck.

Hunter Kozak, a math major who asked the question, later condemned the attack in an emotional video.

“First off, you sick fcking psychos that think this is the answer, I don’t know what else to say. It’s fcking not. It’s awful and a father doesn’t have his kids anymore,” Kozak said.

“Charlie had two kids and a wife… his 1-year-old will grow up without memories of his dad, it’s a tragedy and it’s hard to grapple with.”

Though Kozak strongly disagreed with Kirk’s politics, he underscored the importance of civility:

“As much as I disagree with Charlie Kirk… he is still a human being. Have we forgotten that? Are we crazy?”

Trump Demands Justice

President Donald Trump, a close ally of Kirk, has already said Robinson should face the death penalty if convicted. Utah law allows capital punishment for aggravated murder.

Memorial service arrangements for Kirk have not yet been announced.