Suspect in Charlie Kirk assassination held

The man suspected of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been apprehended, authorities announced Friday, bringing a dramatic end to a 48-hour nationwide manhunt that has gripped the country.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed the arrest at a press conference, identifying the suspect as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson. According to officials, Robinson was turned in by his father after recognizing him in surveillance images released earlier in the day.

"We got him," Cox said. "Justice will be served."

Kirk, 31, a prominent figure in right-wing politics and a close ally of former President Donald Trump, was shot and killed Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem. He was struck by a single bullet on stage before a crowd of hundreds.

Kirk had built a massive following among young conservatives and was credited with helping galvanize support for Trump in the 2024 election. His unapologetically hardline views on race, gender, and gun rights earned him both staunch supporters and fierce critics. Despite his polarizing presence, even opponents acknowledged his openness to debate.

In the wake of the killing, Kirk’s widow vowed to continue her late husband’s work. “Charlie believed in the power of ideas and the strength of conviction,” she said in a statement. “I will honor him by carrying that mission forward.”

Trump has ordered all federal buildings to lower flags to half-staff in Kirk's memory.

The assassination has reignited national conversations about the growing threat of political violence in America, which has increasingly crossed ideological lines.

“This is our moment,” Governor Cox said. “Do we escalate, or do we find an off-ramp? It’s a choice. We must choose dialogue over division.”

Authorities have not yet released details on a possible motive. Robinson is currently being held in federal custody pending further investigation.