Who shot Charlie Kirk?

Answer: Tyler Robinson, 22, of Utah was taken into custody as a suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

President Donald Trump, while on "FOX & Friends" on Sept. 12, 2025, said “I think, with a high degree of certainty, we have him in custody." The president added, “Everyone did a great job. We worked with the local police, the governor, everybody did a great job."

Shortly thereafter, Robinson was identified by officials as the suspected assassin during a press conference.

During a news briefing on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox announced the name of the suspect, and informed the public that he was in custody.

"A family member of Tyler Robinson reached out to a family friend who contacted the Washington County Sheriff's Office with information that Robinson had confessed to them or implied that he had committed the incident,” Cox said.

Robinson attended Utah State University for a semester as a pre-engineering major, the school said.

What is a bolt action rifle? What we know about the gun used to kill Charlie Kirk

Answer: Authorities recovered a bolt action rifle from the woods, which they said was used to assassinate Charlie Kirk. The gun was found close to the crime scene, and authorities believe the shooter, identified as Tyler Robinson, 22, left it behind while fleeing. This type of weapon is commonly used among hunters and target shooters for its simple and durable design. It is limited to a single shot before it can be reloaded.

How did the police and FBI find Charlie Kirk’s shooter?

Answer: Tyler Robinson, 22 of Utah, was taken into custody in Washington County, Utah, after the FBI and the Utah Department of Public Safety released photos and images of a person of interest Thursday.

The public had been urged to send tips to the FBI. During the investigation, the FBI offered a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person who killed Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA.

President Donald Trump, while on "FOX & Friends" Friday morning, said “I think, with a high degree of certainty, we have him in custody." The president added, “Everyone did a great job. We worked with the local police, the governor, everybody did a great job."

Shortly thereafter, Robinson was identified as the suspect during a news briefing.

What did President Donald Trump say about Charlie Kirk?

Answer: President Donald Trump confirmed Charlie Kirk's death on Wednesday, Sept. 10, on Truth Social. "The great, and even legendary, Charlie Kirk is dead. No one understood or had the heart of the youth in the United States of America better than Charlie," Trump wrote. "He was loved and admired by all, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my sympathies go out to his beautiful wife Erika and family. Charlie, we love you!"

Later that night, Trump released a video calling Kirk a patriot and "martyr for truth and freedom." "Charlie inspired millions, and tonight, all who knew him and loved him are united in shock and horror. Charlie was a patriot who devoted his life to the cause of open debate and the country he loved so much, the United States of America," Trump said. "He fought for liberty, democracy, justice, and the American people. He's a martyr for truth and freedom. And there's never been anyone so respected by youth."

Trump described the event as "a dark moment in America" and spoke of Kirk’s strong faith in God. On Thursday, Trump announced that Kirk would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously. The date of the ceremony has not been announced yet, but Trump guaranteed a "very big crowd" at the event when it happens.

During a sit-down interview with "FOX & Friends" on the morning of Friday, Sept. 12, Trump said, "Charlie Kirk was the finest person."

"He didn't deserve this," Trump added.

Who is Charlie Kirk?

Answer: Charlie Kirk was the 31-year-old co-founder of Turning Point USA and the host of the top-rated podcast and nationally syndicated Salem radio program, “The Charlie Kirk Show.” He was the author of four books and a leading social media personality, best known for his on-campus rallies and conservative activism.

What is Turning Point USA?

Answer: Charlie Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA at 18 years old. Turning Point USA is a nonprofit organization with a mission to promote the principles of free markets, limited government, and individual liberty on college campuses and among young people across the United States.

Does Charlie Kirk have a wife and kids?

Answer: Charlie Kirk was a father of two children and a husband to his wife, Erika Kirk. Erika, a former Miss Arizona USA and podcast host, often shared the stage with her husband to share thoughts on faith and family. Their daughter was born in 2022, and their infant son was born in 2024.