"We have a person who we believe is the one we're looking for," Trump told Fox News, angrily vowing a tough response against the"radical left" after the killing of a 31-year-old activist on the campus of Utah Valley University on Wednesday."Someone very close to him reported him," he added.
According to the latest information, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson from Utah confided in his father. The father immediately contacted authorities and held his son until police arrived. Little is known about him at this time, including his motive for the act.
Watch the FBI press conference to reveal more details:
According to the Daily Mail, the suspect's father is a Washington County Sheriff's deputy and has been in the job for more than 27 years. The suspect's mother reportedly works for a company that provides care for the disabled.
The operation ended a massive manhunt involving hundreds of agents from 20 different law enforcement agencies. The FBI offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to the shooter's arrest. It also released surveillance photos of the suspect and, along with Utah Governor Charlie Cox, appealed for public assistance.
The FBI continues to work alongside our law enforcement partners to seek justice in the murder of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. We are releasing additional photos of a person of interest. Information about this developing investigation can be found…
— FBI Salt Lake City (@FBISaltLakeCity) September 12, 2025
The body of the founder of the conservative political organization Turning Point USA was flown from Utah to Arizona on Air Force One on Thursday. The deceased and his family were accompanied by US Vice President JD Vance.
Trump has called Kirk a martyr and blamed the radical left for his death. He has also condemned the demonization of political opponents and announced that he will award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He also urged his supporters on Thursday to respond peacefully to his killing.
Kirk was known for his provocative speeches at American universities, where he promoted conservative views on guns, abortion, the LGBTQ community, race and other issues, for which he faced more than 1,000 death threats, according to Turning Point USA.
