Tyler Robinson in Custody; Gov. Spencer Cox Says Suspect Is Not Cooperating

Authorities announced Friday that they had taken Tyler Robinson, 22, into custody in connection with the fatal shooting of political activist Charlie Kirk. The investigation into the killing continues, and on Sunday Utah Governor Spencer Cox said Robinson is not cooperating with investigators.

Manhunt and Arrest: “We Got Him”

The shooting occurred on Wednesday, September 10, at Utah Valley University (UVU), where Kirk was answering questions. A rifle round from a nearby rooftop struck him in the neck, triggering panic among an estimated 3,000 attendees. Kirk was pronounced dead roughly 90 minutes later at the hospital.

A coordinated manhunt unfolded across campus and surrounding areas. Investigators traced the suspected shooter’s route over rooftops and along a parking area, later recovering a rifle in a wooded spot nearby. As images of a young man sought in the case—and a $100,000 reward—circulated widely, officials scheduled a news conference approximately 33 hours after the attack.

“We got him,”

Governor Cox announced, adding that a family member’s outreach helped prompt the arrest:

“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.”

Early Statements About Motive and Messages

During the same briefing, Cox described context provided by relatives about Robinson’s recent views and comments made prior to the event:

“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 Sept. 10.”

“In that 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 that he had.”

Family games

Cox also referenced alleged digital communications reviewed by investigators that described retrieving a rifle from a “drop point,” the weapon being left “in a bush,” and observations of the area where it was hidden. Those images reportedly came from a roommate’s device showing exchanges with a contact saved as “Tyler.” He summarized:

“He showed several messages and allowed investigators to take photos of the screen… [including] the need to retrieve the rifle from a drop point… visually watching the area where a rifle was left and a message referring to having left the rifle wrapped in a towel.”

Non-Cooperation by the Suspect; Roommate Is Assisting

On Sunday, Cox provided an update across multiple national news programs, noting that Robinson himself is not assisting the probe, though people around him are.

“He [Robinson] has not confessed to authorities. He is not cooperating, but all the people around him are cooperating. And I think that’s very important.”

Cox said Robinson’s roommate—described as a romantic partner—has been helping investigators:

“This partner has been incredibly cooperative, had no idea that this was happening and is working with investigators right now.”

Pressed on whether the roommate’s gender identity bears on the case, Cox cautioned against assumptions while emphasizing the ongoing forensic work:

“That’s what we’re trying to figure out right now. … It’s easy to draw conclusions from that, and so we’ve got the shell casings, other forensic evidence that is coming in — and trying to piece all of those things together.”

What Investigators Are Working to Establish

• • Timeline & movements: Mapping Robinson’s purported path before, during, and after the shooting.
  • Forensics: Processing the recovered rifle and other physical evidence to connect items to the scene.
  • Digital evidence: Reviewing alleged messages and communications to clarify planning and intent.
  • Motive: Weighing statements from family, the cooperating partner, and acquaintances alongside physical and digital records.

Officials say the investigation remains active and methodical. While Robinson is being held without bail on initial counts including aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, and obstruction of justice, they stress that evidence analysis continues and that conversations about motive are preliminary.

Keywords

Tyler Robinson, Charlie Kirk, Utah Valley University, Spencer Cox, UVU shooting, manhunt, recovered rifle, digital messages, non-cooperation, investigation, Utah.